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OUR FLAG; 



OR, 



THE BOYS OF '61 



A NEW AND ORIGINAL 

ittiittarg Btama, 

IN 

Six Acts and Six Tableaux, 

AND 

Founded upon incidents connected with the late Rebellion. 
V 

J. B. HARPER, 

READING, PA. 



*>.<}<> O O O <> ♦ <> CuO O ♦ .O O <><» <> ♦•*?<> <> <? <> O i> 






OUR FLAG: 

OR, 

THE BOYS OF '61 



A NEW AND ORIGINAL 

jftttlitatg Srama, 



IN 



Six Acts and Six Tableaux, 



AND 



Founded upon incidents connected with the late Rebellion. 




Bf HARPER 
reading, pa. 






Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1SSS by James 
Harper, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



COPYRIGHTED. 



Special Notice.— The Author and Proprietor of "Our Flag; or tTie 
Boys of '61" has reserved strictly to himself all right of performing the 
play in any part of the United States. The publication is for the conven- 
ience of such managers, actors, organized societies or amateurs as may 
have been duly authorized by the author or his agent to produce the 
drama. All other persons are hereby given notice that the provisions of 
the Copyright laws will be rigidly enforced in case this play is performed 
without due authority. 



TMP92-009175 



Cast of Characters. 



Mr. Raymond, a wealth y Southern Planter. 

Harry Raymond, his son, afterwards Col. in Confederate Army. 

Mrs. Raymond. 

Alice Raymond. 

Kate Raymond. 

Rol. Roberts, overseer, afterwards Captain of Guerrilla Band. 

Pete, house servant, afterwards in Union Army. 

Mr. Arlington, a thrifty Southern Farmer. 

Ned Arlington, his son, afterwards in Union Army. 

Jack Arlington, a Union Scout. 

Mrs. Arlington. 

Florence Arlington. 

F^rTer^S?*'} Neighbors to Arlingtons. 
Sambo,) 

Clem. >■ Slaves. 
Cato, j 

FEDERAL FORCES. 
Major-Gen. Meade. Commanding. 
Col. of Staff. 
Capt. of Staff. 
Gen. Reynolds. 
Col. of Staff. 
Capt. of Staff. 

Col. Williams, Commanding Regiment. 
Surgeon. 
Deserter. 
Sergeant of Guard. 

CONFEDERATE FORCES. 
Gen. Lee, Commanding. 
Col. of Staff. 
Capt. of Staff. 
Gen. Longstreet. 
Col. of Staff. 
Capt. of Staff. 
Gen. Ewell. 
Col. of Staff. 
Capt. of Staff. 

Major Thorn, commanding Regiment. 
Lieut, of Guerrilla Band. 
ser<;t. Commanding Guard. 
Joe, one of the Guerrilla Band. 
2^~Soldiers, Nurses, Sisters of Charity, &c 



Costumes. 



Mr. Raymond.— 1st. Fine black coat and pants, white vest. 
2d. Seedy and threadbare. 
3d. Poorly Clad. 
Hakky R.— 1st. Fine black suit 

2d. Confederate Colonel's uniform. 
Mrs. R.— 1st. Elegant morning dress. 

2d. Plain Calico. 
Alice R.— 1st. Fine dress. 
2d. Plain Calico. 
3d. Poorly Clad. 
Kate. R.— 1st. Fine dress. 

2d. Plain calico. 
Roberts.— 1st. Overseer's suit. 

2d. Confederate Captain's uniform. 
Pete.— 1st. Swallow-tail coat, black pants and vest. 
2d. White jacket, black pants and vest. 
3d. Coarse suit, military cap. 
4th. Coarse pants, red shirt. 
5th. Rebel uniform. 
Mr. Arlington —Plain pants and vest, white shirt. 
Ned A.— 1st. Neat suit. 

2d. Sergeant's uniform. 
3d. Captain's uniform. 
Jack A.— 1st. Coarse sack coat and pants, figured shirt. 
2d. Same suit with belt and military hat. 
3d. Poorly fitting Federal uniform. 
Mrs. A.— Plain home dress. 
Florence A.— Plain dress. 

Deacon Maberky.— Seedy, tight-fitting black suit, high hat, goggles. 
Farmer Jones.— Rough farmer's suit. 
Sambo,) 

Clem, V Common pants, coarse shirts. 
Cato, j 



OUR FLAG; OR, THE BOYS OF '61 



ACT I. 

Scene. — Grounds in the vicinity of the Raymond Man- 
sion. The Raymond Mansion seen in the distance left. 
A view of the slave cabins on the right. Practical cabins 
on right at extreme back, ivith practical windows and 
doors. Rude swings are erected at back, and rustic seats 
are scattered here and there over the ground. At the 
rise of curtain the slaves are discovered in holiday at- 
tire engaged in different sports characteristic of the 
colored race. Those in the foreground are engaged in 
an old-fashioned ivalk-around, while in the background 
the women are seen moving to and from the cabins with 
refreshments, which they hand around at intervals. 
Others are looking from the windows, clapping their 
hands and keeping time to the music. Aged darkies oc- 
cupy some of the seats, and rock their bodies to and fro, 
in unison with the music. Some of the children are dis- 
covered upon the swings, shouting and clapping their 
hands, while others are jumping, playing leapfrog, &c. 
During the scene the children become engaged in a 
quarrel and resort to the butting process to settle the dis- 
pute, while the women beat them with brooms in order to 
separate them. The scene is brought to a close by the 
appearance of Pete at l. u. e. with a newspaper. 
Lively music at rise of curtain. 'HTNote — This scene 
is ad libitum and can always be arranged to suit the 
taste of the Manager and actors taking part in it, always 
bearing in mind the necessity of avoiding anything that 
is tame and dragging and add that which will give dash 
and vim, and at the same time be in harmony with the 
characteristics of the colored race of the South. 
[Enter Pete l. u. l. with newspaper. .] 



Pete. Shut up dar, now, you, you, noisy niggers, 
and let me read de news. [The slaves collect in groups 
around Pete.] I tell you, dar am great news in dis 
paper. I have just come back from de village and I 
heard a talk dar dat concarns the whole ob you. See 
heah, dars gwine to be a 'bellion. [All laugh.'} Shut 
up, shut up dar. What de debil are you laughing at ? 

Sambo. What's dat you say— 'beilion ? What am 
'bellion ? 

Pete. De paper say dat 'bellion am de fight for de 
rights ob de colored individuals ; it am war. [All laugh 
again.'] Shut up, shut up, or I'll ram de paper dow r n 
your throats. 

Cato. Dar now, git out you ignorant nigger ; you 
got too much whiskey when you were down at de 
village. 

Pete. De paper am not got too much whiskey, nor 
I needer. Now listen and I'll explain— 

Sambo. Git out dar now, Pete, if it means something 
good to eat, let's hab it. 

Pete. See heah, before Massa Roberts comes I'll 
tell you dat we is going to hab trouble in de quarters. 

Clem. Now, Pete, don't fool wid us any longer, but 
tell us what you mean by de 'bellion. 

Pete. Oh, you ignorant children, I pity you, 'deed 
I does, don't know what 'bellion am. Ya, Ya, well den, 
I will hab to explain. See heah, now you niggers come 
ober heah. [Arranges about half tin slaves on the 
right.] Now you odder niggers go ober dar. [Places 
the other hat fori tin left.] Now when I count three, den 
pitch into one anodder. 

Clem. De Lord, he means fight, I'll gib him 'bellion. 

Pete. Now, den, are you ready ! 

All. Yes. 

Pete. [Counting.'] One, two, three. [They make a 
rush for one another and engage in a general scuffle, and 
Pete has great difficulty in getting them separated,] 
Dar, dat am exactly what de paper say. Now listen, 
while I read de paper. [The slaves close around Pete. 
Rol. Roberts appears at l. it. e. and remains there 
listening. Pete reading^ "If de mudsills ob de norf 
are determined to put Lincoln in the White House, de 
souf will rise in her might and declare her indepen- 
dence. We will not submit to such tyranny. Rather 
will we forsake all for our glorious cause." Dar, do you 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 



hear dat ? I tell you de folks ob de free states are 
gwine to gib us oar liberty. I don't like dis paper nor 
any one dat thinks dese expressions am de trufe. 
[Roberts comes down unobserved and takes the paper 
from Pete.] 

Roberts. What's all this infernal conversation 
about ? Go to your quarters immediately or I will cut 
your black hides open. [The stares scatter off to the 
right, the women and children enter the cabins and close 
the doors and windows.'] Here, Pete, where did you get 
this paper? 

Pete. In de village, Massa. 

Roberts. What business have you in the village 
listening to all the news that is discussed in bar rooms 
and street corners ? Now go about your business and 
don't let me catch you again talking with those field 
niggers or I will take the dirty black hide off you. 

Pete. I only told dem de trufe, Massa, dats all. 

Roberts. Get out, you black rascal. [Strikes at 
Pete with whip, who exits hastily r.] Mr. Raymond 
gave them a holiday, but I'll change that very soon, for 
I will go and start them to work as a punishment for 
their cursed rebellious notions. [Is going offR., when 
he is met by Ned Arlington.] 

Ned A. [C6fd$y.~\ Good morning. Roberts. 

Roberts. [With sarcasm.] Good morning, Mr. Ar- 
lington. 

Ned A. You appear agitated, may I be so bold as to 
inquire into the cause of it? 

Roberts. lam not disposed at all times to be cate- 
chised by every impudent cur that crosses my path. 

Ned A. Your answer, Sir, is rude and unbecoming 
a gentleman. You would provoke a quarrel. 
Roberts. Well, Sir, what if I would ? 

Ned A. Simply this, I would not quarrel with you. 

Roberts. Ha! ha! No, I suppose not ; because you 
fear the result, Well, I wish you a pleasant journey 
and a most agreeable interview. You see, I knowyour 
mission. Ha ! ha ! 

Ned A. My mission, Sir ? I do not comprehend. 

Roberts. Ha ! ha ! The mansion Justin sight ; a few 
fields to cross ; a few fences to climb ; a knock at the 
door ; and then into the arms of Alice Raymond. Ha ! 
ha! 

Ned A. Rol. Roberts, I understand you now, and 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 



any further allusion to that subject might precipitate 
that which you are seeking— a quarrel. 

Roberts. Ah, ha; it stings does it ? Ned Arlington, 
let me be plain with you. We have been rivals, suitors 
for the same fair hand; thus far you have been success- 
ful. The game is in your hands now, but it does not 
naturally follow that it will remain there. Think not 
that I will yield so easily, the wound from the sting 
may be healed, but the poison still remains. 

Nkd A. [Impatiently.] Well, Sir ; go on, but be 
brief, for my time is precious. 

Roberts. Precious, yes. Ha ! ha ! Time is precious 
when on the wings of love, but beware lest a serpent 
cross your path and sink its poisoned fangs into your 
heart. For now, mark me, all the cunning of my brain 
will I call into requisition to mar your golden prospects, 
to blast your visionary hopes, and turn all the lyric 
notes of love that you have breathed in her ear into 
gall and wormwood. 

Ned A. Enough of this, sir ; I will hear no more. 
To hold an argument with one like you would be use- 
less, and at the expense of one's manhood. You have 
threatened me, and for this I will retaliate, and in a 
few words : Rol. Roberts, you are a coward ! 

Roberts. A coward ? Your life is the forfeit for this 
insult. [Draws a knife and rushes toward Ned, who 
draws a pistol and presents it] 

Ned A. [.Still holding the pistol at Roberts' head.'] 
Self-preservation is the first law of nature. [Roberts 
recoils to the right.] If a brute attacks you either upon 
the highway or in the forest you are justified by all the 
laws of God or man to kill it. I let you go in peace, 
but have a care, for a repetition of this outrage may 
result in one job less for the hangman and in ridding 
the community of one whose good deeds will never be 
recorded in the pages of American history. [Exit l.] 

Roberts [looking after him.'] Oh, curse you, you 
shall pay for this yet! But I am forgetting myself. From 
the conversation I overheard between Pete and the 
field hands, I am convinced they know more than they 
should, and require watching. Mr. Raymond, my em- 
ployer, is a true southern gentleman and should he 
near of the rebellious feeling existing among his slaves, 
I would be called to account and probably lose my 
situation. Pete, that house servant, has learned to 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 . 



read and now he's inciting the other hand-! to rebel, 
but I'll be on my guard and the first time I hear him 
utter a rebellious word, I'll knock him down like a dog 
and thus gain favor with my employer and retain my 
situation. [Exit r.] [Distant voices of the slaves heard 
off r. They appear to be engaged in a dispute. The 
doors and windows of the cabins are opened slyly and the 
aged slaves peep out. The voices on the right grow 
louder and the women and children merge from the cabin 
and come down stage cautiously and listen They ap- 
proach nearer and nearer and the voices of the slaves are 
now heard, some exclaiming : "Come on, come on, I tell 
you; don't be afraid, Massa Raymond gib us de holiday 
and not Massa Roberts, and we will hab it out. Others 
are heard expostulating and saying, if we do, ive will be 
flogged. Pete's voice is heard distinctly above the rest, 
■in his endeavors to persuade them -to finish their holiday 
sports. They finally appear upon 'the stage, and this 
scene of confusion continues and is brought to a termina- 
tion by singing the negro melody of "Jacob's Ladder," 
after which Roberts enters hastily l.] 

Roberts. Here, you black whelps, what does this 
mean ? [The slaves cower to back of stage, and some at- 
tempt to go off and others to hide in the cabins.'] Here, 
come back. Stay where you are. [The slaves retire to 
the rear.] Here, Pete ; come here. [Pete comes down 
stage.] Well, my learned friend, I suppose you have 
been teaching school, have you ? 

Pete. [Very humbly.] No, Massa. 

Roberts. Have you got any more newspapers about 
you ? 

Pete. No, Massa. [Roberts wv//v//r,s' ///;/;..] 

Roberts. Who taught you to read ? 

Pete. I picked it up myself, Massa. 

Roberts. Pete, I sent those curs to the field to work, 
You coaxed them back ; why did you do it ? 

Pete. Bacase, Massa .Raymond gib en de holiday, 
and not Massa Roberts. 

Roberts. Pete, you are fond of reading newspapers, 
I know ; now do you ever read anything else ! 

Pete. Yes, Massa. 

Roberts. What ? 

Pete. De Bible, Massa. 

Roberts. The Bible, eh? Ha ! ha ! Well Pete, if 
you will peruse carefully that ancient and well read 



IO THE BOYS OF "6 1. 



history, you will find somewhere between its two lids 
these words : "Servants, obey your master." Now, 
you black rascal, mark me, the first time I catch you 
engaged in such conversation with the field bands as 
you were this morning, I shall, by the orders of your 
lawful master, break that devilish black scull of yours ; 
do you hear ? Mind, I'll watch you. The present con- 
dition of the country does net permit you dogs to talk 
about things you should know nothing about. 

Pete. Massa Roberts, de paper say much I don't 
know nofnn about, but my opinion is dat de folks ob 
de free states am gwine to set us niggers free, and I 
don't care how much you flog me. I'll watch all de 
doings and explain 'em to de niggers at de quarters. 

Roberts. You will, will you. [Whips Pete and 
knocks him down with the butt end of the whip.~\—{ Chord 
at each blow.) There, take that, you black whelp ; I'll 
teach you to obey your master. [Soft music as two of 
the slaves come down front ami assist Pete to arist and 

take him hack.'] 

Petk. [Speaking with difficulty.] Dis am not de 
fust time he has flogged dis old darkey, but dar is some- 
thing here which tells me it will be de last ; it am night 
now, but de morning will come and when it does 1 will 
hab my revenge. 

Roberts. Revenge? Ha! ha! That's good. Re- 
venge? Ha! ha! Whv where is it going to come 
from ? 

Pete. [Straightening up and approaching Roberts, 
and with right hand elevated.] From de Lord. 

[The slaves in the had,- ground. as if catching up the 
spirit of Pete, take their hats off and with right hand 
elevated exclaim, "From de Lord." Roberts, as though 
paralyzed by the intensity of tin *<■< n< , recoils t>, the l.] 
Picture. Curtain. 



THE BOYS OF "6 1. II 



ACT IT. 

Scexe.— A Parlor in the Raymond Mansion. The 
apartment is elegantly furnished with furniture of the 
most elaborate design. The floor is handsomely carpeted, 
and beautiful paintings and bric-a-brac adorn the /calls. 
Mr. Raymond, Mrs. Raymand, Alter Raymond, Kate 
Raymond and Harry Raymond, arc discovered. Mr. 
Raymond is seated at a table with neiuspaper. As the 
curtain rises the family is discovered indulging in a 
hearty laugh. Li eel// music at rise of curtain. 

Mr. Raymond. [With newspaper.] That is decid- 
edly good, let me read it again. 

Harry R. It is certainly very amusing", read itagain 
by all means. 

Mr. R. Well, pay attention. [Reads.] Should the 
miserable handful of Southern Chivalry attempt to mo- 
lest the gallant Major Anderson, they will find to their 
bitter cost that the people of the free states will rise and 
crush them from the Source of the Potomac to the 
Gulf of Mexico. [All Laugh.] 

Harry R. They undoubtedly "reckon without their 
host." let them try it. 

Mr. R. Aye, let them try it. [Reads.] "In a very 
short time an army can be called into service which 
will astonish the world.'" Ha, ha! 

Alice R. Ah, the presumptuous upstarts, how ridic- 
ulous. 

Mr. R. [Reads.'] "This is not the first time they 
have attempted the destruction of our national Union, 
but let them beware, or else 'forbearance will cease to 
be a virtue.' and the people of the North will rise in 
their majesty, and with one united effort, sweep them 
from the face of the earth." Ha, ha! 

Harry R. Should they dare attempt such a rash act, 
they will find that two can play at that game, and if the 



12 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 



blood of the Southern people is once aroused, let them 
beware. They will learn that we are not so easily ex- 
terminated as they imagine. 

Mr. R. My opinion exactly. The South once aroused 
and in arms, and commanded by proper leaders, will 
teach them a lesson of extermination they will not soon 
forget. 

Kate R. I think this foolish boasting of the North 
is extremely absurd. Why father, do they imagine they 
can conquer the South. 

Mr. R. Certainly they do, they have an idea that 
we are merely toys or playthings, and can be tossed 
about at will. 

Mrs. R. Well, I declare, Kate asks that question as 
though she was becoming interested in national affairs. 

Kate R. So I am. Am I not, Harry ? 

Harry R. Well, no; I should think you were more 
interested in reading novels and singing sentimental 
songs, and — 

Kate R. Oh, pshaw ! I might have expected such 
an answer from you. 

Alice R. By the way, Harry, that reminds me of it, 
I hope you did not forget, when you were at the village 
this morning, to bring the album you promised me. I 
received several photographs which I would like to put 
in it. One of them from my friend Mr. Arlington. 

Kate R. Your friend ? 'Well, that is decidedly cool. 
Could you not use a more tender epithet and say lover. 

Harry R. Yes, I should suppose the attachment 
amounts to something more than mere friendship ; but 
Alice, I did not forget my promise. Your album is 
lying on my dressing case, I forgot to bring it down. 
Kate, I purchased a piece of music for you. I do not 
know how you will like it, but it expresses my feeling 
exactly. [Gives-music to Kate.] 

Kate R. Thank you, Harry, I will dispense with my 
book for the present and devote my attention to this. 

Harry R. Alice, speaking of your friend Ned Arling- 
ton, have you heard the latest? 

Alice R. Why no ! What do you mean. 

Harry R. During my visit to the village this morn- 
ing, I was informed that our neighbors, the Arlingtons, 
and particularly your friend Ned, were in direct sym- 
pathy Avith the North. 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 . 1 3. 

Mr. R. Eh ! What is that you say, the Arlingtons 
sympathizing with the North. Can it be possible. 

Mrs. R. I presume this is only a joke of yours ; you 
certainly cannot be serious. 

Harry R. I never was more serious in my life. I 
have the information from Will Stanton, an intimate 
friend of Ned's. 

Mr. R, If this be so, then farewell to the friendship 
that has existed in our families for many years. 

Harry R, Yes, I am convinced that ere long, many 
friendships will be broken and severed through the 
folly and ignorance of those Northern Abolitionists, for 
if they persist in meddling with our affairs of the South 
they will bring on war 

Mr. R, War ! That's what we want, let it come. The 
country demands it. Too long already have we sub- 
mitted to outrages heaped upon us, not only from the 
halls of Congress and Senate Chamber, but also from 
the sacred desks of the different churches of the North. 
In a few days the Hon. Jefferson Davis will be chosen 
to guide the ship of state for the South, then let them 
take heed. 

Mrs. R. Why to hear you speak one would suppose 
we were already engaged in war. 

Mr. R. Not already engaged, but in my opinion, on 
the eve of a mighty struggle, and if Ned Arlington pre- 
sumes to breath in my presence sentiments derogatory 
to the interests of our Southern institutions. I would 
forget past friendship, drive him from my house and 
bid him farewell forever. What savs mv daughter 
Alice ? 

Alice R. Obedience to the will of my father shall 
always be my first consideration, especially when the 
interests of the Sunny South are at stake. 

Mr. R. Nobly spoken, my daughter, and I assure you 
the sacrifice is made on the altar of a glorious cause. 

Harry R. Well, let us change the subject. Alice, 
w T hat do you say to a game of chess? 

Alice R. Anything to while away the time and di- 
vert our attention from this hateful abolition war 
question. 

Harry R. Now I propose that you represent the 
North and I the South, the result of the game to decide 
the issue. 



14 THE BOYS OF \5 1 . 

Alice R. I am willing. [Both sit to tabic and arran</< 
chess.'] If this game is to decide the issue, the South 
will be victorious, for you are the better player. 

Mrs. R. Kate, while they are engaged in playing, 
will you amuse us by singing a song ? 

Kate R. O mother, I am too much indisposed to 
sing. 

Harry R. Yes, I suppose you have a bad cold, it is 
generally the case with singers. 

Kate R. pshaw. [Song, "Bonnie Blue Flag, ,"] 

[After song enter Ned Arlington, l.] 

Ned. A. G-ood morning. 

Mr. R. [Coldly.'] Good morning Mr. Arlington, be 
seated. 

Ned A. Harry, I see you are very interestingly en- 
gaged. Miss Alice, I fear you will be'beaten, fori know 
Harry to be an excellent player. 

Alice R. I fear so myself. Harry proposed playing 
a game to decide the issue between the North and the 
South, and I must acknowledge, thus far the South has 
the advantage. 

Ned A. I apprehend the great issue pending between 
the North and South will not be decided by a mere 
chance game of chess. 

Mr. R. [Rings hell, enter Pete, l. 1st e.] A bottle 
of wine. [7*;.<v7Pete, l.] 

[Enter Roberts, r.J 

Roberts. Good morning Mr. Raymond, beg pardon 
ladies, but very important business has brought me to 
the mansion. 

Mr. R. Important business, Roberts. What's wrong 
now? [Rises (aid come* down stage, c] 

Roberts. I overheard a conversation this morning 
among your slaves, which gives me reason to suppose 
there is mischief brewing. 

Mr. R. Mischief, what do you mean ? 

Roberts. I mean that some of them have learned 
to read, and got hold of a newspaper through which 
they learned tliat the Northern Abolitionists are in sym- 
pathy with them, and desire to set them free, which, I 
fear, will make them troublesome. 

Mr. R. This is very important, be careful, watch 
their every movement, and if you see anything suspi- 
cious, inform me of it immediately. I'll teach these slavt s 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 1 5 

to learn to know their position, instead of learning to 
read. 
Roberts. I shall attend to them. [Moves off.] 
Mr. R. Roberts, I just ordered a bottle of wine, 
stay and have a glass, be seated. [Takes seat on ex- 
treme l. with his back to Ned A.] 

[Enter Pete l., with wine on waiter, lie serves the 
wine, commencing on the right and ending with Rol. 
Roberts on the left. As he passes the wine to him he 
shrinks back, white Roberts eyes him maliciously and 
chuckles to himself."] 

Roberts. [Aside.] Ha ! ha ! I flogged the black cuss 
this morning, and it seems he hasn't forgotten it yet. 
Oh ! I'll tame him. 

Mr. R. I now propose a toast, "Here's to the perpet- 
uation of our Southern institutions; may the hand of 
him who dares to strike at us be paralyzed and fall pow- 
erless to his side. [Alt drink except Ned A.] 

Ned A. I will not drink to that toast. [Puts glass 
with wine on table.] 
Harry R. Sir. [All rise.] 
Alice R. Refuse to drink to that toast. 
Mr. R. I am astonished, sir. 
Pete. I wouldn't drink to dat neider. 
Mr. R. Silence, how dare you; leave the room. Rob- 
erts, attend to him. [RoBexit hastily after Pbtk.] 

Harry R. Ned Arlington, did you intend this as an 
insult ? 

Ned A. No, I respect you all, but I a thousand times 
more respect my country and her flag. 

Mr. R. Mr. Arlington,will you explain your conduct? 
Ned A. Mr. Raymond, I can explain in a few words. 
I have no disregard for you, but I cannot but respect 
my country and revere the memory of our patriot 
fathers who laid down their lives in the revolutionary 
struggle for our freedom. 

Alice R. [Coldly.] Mr. Arlington, enough of this, 
sir I was born and educated in the South, I love its 
institutions, and revere its principles. I am not forget- 
ful of the attachment that existed between us, but your 
conduct here has severed all links that bound us to- 
gether and made us strangers to each other. You can 
go, sir, and never presume to cross this threshold again 
until you have felt the strong arm of the Scuth laid 



1 6 THE BOYS OF '6 1 



upon you, until your proud spirit is broken and crushed, 
and you fall upon your knees and ask forgiveness. 

Ned A. Be careful, Miss Raymond, that you do not 
first fall upon your knees and ask my forgiveness. 

Harry R. Sir, you mistake the spirit of my sister, 
and the time will come when you will be compelled to 
acknowledge it ; she will never kneel to you. 

NED A. Be not too sanguine, Harry Raymond, the 
freaks and fortunes of war sometimes work mysterious 
changes. Prouder hearts than yours have been*crushed, 
and the glittering cloak of pride and aristocracy torn 
from their shoulders, sinking them into misery and dis- 
grace. 

Harry R. This is adding injury to insult. I now de- 
mand an immediate apology, or 111 — 

Ned A. And that I will never trive. 

Harry R. Then take that. [Draws dagger and at- 
tempts to strike.'] 

Ned A. Hold ! put back that knife, you may find 
better use for it in a short time. Have you forgotten 
where you are < In the presence of ladies, your mother 
and sister. Is this unnatural show of violence in har- 
mony with your much boasted chivalric spirit of the 
Southern people ? I will leave your house, but Harry 
Raymond take heed, do not lei your Southern pride 
and prejudice destroy your reason. Do not, I pray you, 
treat with contempt/the powers of the North, for they 
are mighty. And if in your blindness and folly, you 
force them to arms, look to yourselves, and may He 
who holds the destinies of nations in his hands protect 
the right. For the last time, beware. [Tableau. 
Curtain.] 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 1 7 



ACT III. 

Scene 1. — A kitchen or plain chamber in the house of 
Mr. Arlington. The furniture is plain, neat and sub- 
stantial. Mr. Arlington is discovered at table, reading. 
Mrs. Arlitgton is knitting, and Florence is patching 
up an old coat.— Lively music at rise of curtain. 

Mrs. A. Father, what do you find so very interesting 
in that book ? You are reading: it day and night lately. 

Mr. A. Interesting ! Zounds, why this is one of the 
greatest works published ! Ha ! ha ! talk about your old 
fashioned way of raising fifteen bushel's of wheat to the 
acre, why this tells you how to raise twenty-five 
bushels to the acre. 

Mrs. A. That is all very good, but is there any truth 
in it? 

Mr. A. To be sure there is, this is an age of progress, 
scientific works like this are doing away with your old 
worn-out ideas, and introducing new and better ones. 

Florence A. Father. I wish you would get a new 
coat, this one is too bad, it is scarely worth mending. 
Why you look like an old pauper* in this. [Holds up 
pat cited coat.'] 

Mr. A. Patch it up, patch it up, and don't bother 
me. It seems to me you are getting like the rest of the 
girls, full of pride, full of pride. 

Florece A. Well I do declare, what have you got in 
your pockets. [Takes bundle of paper out of pocket.] 

Mr. A. [Beading.] Onions," potatoes, cabbage, tur- 
nips, — 

Florence A. Why no it is'nt, its a bundle of paper. 

Mr. A. Poh, nonsense girl. I'm not talking about 
that, attend to your work and don't interrupt me. 

Farmer Jones. [Outside.] Whoa Bill, whoa now. 

Florence. Father, there is Farmer Jones with his 
cart, and he is coming in. [Enter Farmer Jones l. 
with a bag of potatoes on his shoulder.] 



l8 THE BOYS OF '6 1 



Farmer Jones, (rood morning, neighbor Arlington, 
I just dropped in to tell you I returned that harrow I 
borrowed of you, and I brought you a few planting 
potatoes, they are called Prince Alberts, and they are 
royal, I tell you. 

Mr. A. Prince Alberts, let me see, let me see. [Re- 
fers to book.] I'm sure I saw that name somewhere. 
Ah ! here it is. They are highly recommended. 

Farmer Jones. O ! I'll guarantee they are well 
recommended. Whoa now. Bill ! Whoa ! can't you 
stand quiet for a moment or two ? 

Mr. A. Why what seems to be the matter with your 
horses? I thought they were generally very quiet. 

Farmer Jones. You see I just hitched up one of the 
colts, and he is not broke into the harness yet. Well, 
as I was just saying, they are royal potatoes. There is 
my neighbor Davis planted a bushel of them last 
season, and he told me they yielded immensely, so I 
bought several bushels to try, and concluded to give 
you a few of them. 

Mr. A. I'm very much obliged to you, indeed. I 
shall give them a fair trial. There's nothing like im- 
provement. 

F. Jones. Well, good day, I must be going. I've 
got a little grain I want to take down to the mill. 
[Moves off.~] 

Mr. A. Ah, .stop a moment before you go, I have 
some fine apple jack in the house, and I want you to 
try a glass. Florence, run and bring a bottle of it. 
[Exit Florence l.] 

F. Jones. Well, as I do feel a little wrongish about 
my inners, I don't mind if I do. Whoa, Bill. Consarn 
you, can't you be quiet now. [Enter Florence and 
places bottle and glass on the table.] 

Mr. A. [Fills glass and hands it to Farmer Jones.] 
Here you are now, drink it down and tell us what you 
think of it. [Hands glass.] 

Farmer J. [Drinks and smacks his lips.] Capital 
apple jack that; capital, I tell you, 

Mr. A. Try another glass. 

Farmer J. JNo, I believe not; not a drop more, I 
thank you. [Holds his glass towards Mr. Arlington, 
and at the same time looks towards the left. Mr. 
Arlington./^ glass again.] Whoa, Bill, whoa. That 
beast is so confounded restless. [Looks at glass.] Well, 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 



T 9 



if you insist upon it, I will take another drop. [Drinks.] 
Well, good day ; I must be going now. Drop over to 
see us all of you. [Aside.] Now I would like to have 
just one inor* shake at that bottle. [Exit l., but 
returns hastily feeling in his pocket.'] Well, I declare, 
I believe I have lost something. 

All. Lost something ? [All search, and F. Jones 
takes bottle from table and drinks.'] 

F. Jones. I've found it. [Exit hastily l.] 

Mr. A. [Gones to table, examines potato.] This is a 
fine specimen, the eyes are fine and well developed. 
Let me see what this work says about Prince Alberts. 
[Enter Ned l. ; he walks the room excitedly and then 
takes a seat] 

Mrs. A. Why Ned, what in the world is the matter 
with you ? Has anything serious occurred ? 

Ned A. Yes mother, something serious has occurred. 

Florence A. What is it ? Do tell us. 

Ned A. Father, those hot-headed leaders of the 
south have at last plunged the country in war. They 
have fired on Fort Suuipter, and the old flag has been 
torn down and trampled in the dust. 

Mr. A. [Closes book violently.] War! Fired on Fort 
Sumpter and torn down the old flag ? Confound 
them ! Well make them put it back again. 

Mrs. A. Oh ! has it really come to this, heaven only 
knows where it will end. 

Mr. A. End! I'll tell you where it will end. Those 
proud aristocratic scoundrels, who for years have 
been sowing the seeds of strife and discord throughout 
the country, will be subjugated and reduced from pride 
and affluence to misery and want. 

Florence A. Ned, do you think they are really in 
earnest ? 

Ned A. No doubt of it. In a few days the whole 
country, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, will be 
aroused by the fearful cry of war. 

Mr. A. This is dreadful news indeed, where did you 
hear it ? 

Ned A. I heard it down at the village. The papers 
are full of it. I tried to get a copy, but was too late. 
But I have something more to tell you ; on my return 
I dropped in at the Raymond Mansion, and while there 
we had a — 

Mr. A. Well, well, go on. 



20 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 



Florexce A. Do tell us what has happened. I see 
you hesitate. 

Ned A. Well— we had a quarrel. 

All. A quarrel ! 

Ned A. Yes, while there Mr. Raymond ordered a 
bottle of wine, handed me a glass with the rest, and 
proposed a toast ; now, what do you think is was ? 

Mr. A. I have not the least idea. 

Ned A. It was this, the perpetuation of our southern 
institutions, may the hand of him that dares strike at 
us fall paralyzed to his side. 

Mr. A. [Excited.] Ned, did you drink to this toast ? 

Ned A. Did 1 drink to that toast ! Father, how can 
you ask that question V When I become so base as to 
forget your early instructions ; when I lose all respect 
for your gray hairs ; when my reason has fled and I 
become a groveling outcast from society, then you may 
ask, did 1 drink to that toast. I set my glass on the 
table and said. ""I will not." 

Mr. A. God bless my son. [Aside.'] His name is 
Arlington. 

Mrs. A. How were you treated by Mr. Raymond ? 

Ned A. After I refused to drink, he demanded an 
explanation, I complied, he grew angry, hot words 
were exchanged, and finally Harry became so enraged 
as to draw a dagger and attempt my life. 

Florence A. Is it possible ! And what of Alice ? 

Ned A. O ! she became excited and bade me never 
to cross their threshold again, until I had repented and 
would fall upon my knees and ask her forgiveness. 

[Jack is heard outside singing.'] 

Mr. A. Ah ! there's Jack, you can always hear him 
before you see him. 

Jack A. [Outside.] I say, open the door. 

Mr. A. What's the matter with the fellow ? Can't 
you open it yourself ? 

Jack A. No, 1 can't, I'm loaded like a pack-mule 
with his sideboards up. 

Mr. A. Florence open the door for him. 

[Enter J ack with gun and bag, l., puts bag down, flour- 
ishes gun, alarming family.] 

Mrs. A. Jack, Jack, do be careful with that gun. 

Jack A. Long Thomas is as harmeless as a dead 
nigger on his way to the cemetery. 



THE BOYS OF "6 1. 2 1 

Ned A. Jack, will you oblige us by giving an acconnt 
of yourself, where have you beeu ? 

Jack A. Why Pete and I were out gunning, wasn't 
we Thomas ? 

Ned A. What in the name of common sense do you 
mean by Thomas ? 

Jack A. [Showing gun.'] This is what I call Thomas, 
isn't she a stunner. Old Pete made me a present of this. 
Pete is my right bower and Thomas my left. 

Mrs. A. What have you got in that bag ? 

Jack A. Game, mother, game. 

Ned A. Come, come, Jack, none of your stories, you 
don't call that a game bag do you ? 

Jack A. Seeing is believing, isn't it ! I said I had 
game, behold ! [Takes game chicken from bag.] 

Mr. A. Why, Jack, you don't call that game. 

Jack A. Father, if that isn't a game chicken, I'll eat 
it. 

Ned A. Jack, you've been at your old tricks again, 
you've been stealing. 

Jack A. Eh ! What ! How did you find that out ? 

Ned A. Now here Jack, take my advice, take that 
chicken with the bag and all its contents back to where 
you got them, then come back, I have something to 
tell you. 

Jack A. All right, Ned. O, stop, hold up, I say 
Florence, you know you told me to hunt a four-leafed 
clover for you for luck. 

Florence A. Yes, yes, Jack, did you find one ? 

Jack A. Yes, here it is. [Searches pockets.'] I've 
got in my pocket somewhere; here it is, no, it isn't 
neither. Now, where did I put it ? I have it some- 
where ; oh, I know now, I put it in this pocket. 
[Reaches in left coat pocket, mashes eggs, draws his hand 
out confused'] Blow the luck, them there eggs Pete 
gave me to set under that game chicken, now they're 
all smashed to thunder. I guess Pete smashed them too, 
because I played that trick on him. [Exit R.] 

[Enter Boy l.] 
Boy. A letter for Edward Arlington. [Gives letter.] 
[Exit L.] 

Ned A. [Opens letter, reads.] Dear Friend Ned :— 
I suppose you have hear the news ; Fort Sumpter has 
been fired on, and war is the result. Capt. Williams 



22 THE BOYS OF bl. 



has opened a recruiting office at this place, and wishes^ 
to see you immediately. There is but one course to- 
pursue, and I know that your heart is in the right place. 
Come. You friend, WILL STAINTON. 

Ned A. Father, I will leave for recruiting head- 
quarters at once. 

Mrs. A. Oh, Ned ! this is too bad, had you not 
better reflect. ? 

Ned A. Mother, I feel as though I should be un- 
worthy to be called your son, should I linger at home 
in this hour of our country's danger. 

Mr. A. Aye, you are right, Ned, we are on the eve 
of a mighty struggle, recreant hands have dared to 
attempt the overthrow of our glorious union, cemented 
together and baptized by the blood and tears of our 
fathers. The flag has been insulted, and a blow aimed 
at our national honor. The country needs strong arms 
and patriotic hearts to hurl back those presumptuous 
fools, and teach them a lesson which I hope may haunt 
their guilty conscience, for ages to come. Ned, 
you know your duty, and may the God of battles direct 
you. [Sinks into chair with his head resting on table, 
Mrs. A. and Florence weep. Jack comes in hastily r. 
whistling and stops suddenly.] 

Jack A. Why, what's in the wind now ? You all 
looks as serious as a black hearse, drawn by a black 
horse along a dark road on a dark night 

Florence A. Why Jack, is it possible you haven't 
heard the news? 

Jack A. News, no, what news ? 

Ned A. Jack, Sumpter has been fired on, war is 
declared, a recruiting office is opened in the village, and 
I am going. 

Jack A. Sumpter fired on, war declared, a recruiting 
office is opened and I am going ; so am I. 

Florence A. What, you go to war ! why the people 
around here call you a coAvard. 

Jack A. I don't care what they call me ; see here, 
Ned, you just get that governor's consent, will you ? 
Oh, now you needn't look so, just go pop the question. 

Ned A. Father, Jack wants your consent to go with 
me, what do you say? 

Mr. A. Ha ! Ha ! I'm afraid it would be a hard 
matter to beat discipline into his head ; however, if his 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 23 

mind is set upon going he can go. If I had a dozen 
sons they all should have my consent. 

Ned A. It's all right, Jack, you can go, so come along. 

Jack A. Hold on a minute till I get my boon com- 
panion, my right bower, my long Thomas, [gets gun.'] 
Here we are ! all right Ned. 

Ned A. Well, good-bye for a short time, when next 
you see me, my name will be enrolled with those who 
are willing to strike the blow that will redeem our 
nation's honor. [Exit Ned and Jack l.] 
End of Scene First. 



Scene Second.— Landscape. 
[Enter Pete L.] 

Pete. Yah, yah, great day in de morning, I guess I 
fotched Jack dis time, ef he puts his hands in his 
pockets he'll find dem eggs is smashed all to pieces. 
Sarves him right, 'case he had no business to load up 
that dere Long Tom, and tell me to shoot him off. 
Goodness gracious, de contusion was dreadful, it 
knocked me clear down on my back. Holloa, who is dat 
feller coming dere ? Great day in de morning, he's in a 
big hurry. [Enter 1st citizen,* ~l,.~\ Say, boss, what's de 
matter ? 

1st Citizen. Didn't you hear the news ? 

Pete. Well, I guess I didn't, did you ? [Exit citizen r.] 
[Enter 2nd Citizen d.] 

Pete. Hold up dere now and 'xplain, what am dis 
running for ? 

2nd Citizen. Didn't you hear the news? [Exit r.] 

Pete. Git out wid yer, what am I got to do wid yer 
news ? Yah, yah, great day in de morning, look at dem 
pins, don't dey fly ? Dey cut the wind like a streak ob 
greased lightning. 

[Enter M citizen, r. runs against Pete and knocks him 
doicn.') 

Pete. See heah, you, where yer gwoine in sich a 
hurry ? 

3d Citizen. Didn't you hear the news ? [Exit l.] 

Pete. Kinder crawls up my mem'ry dere's some- 
thing up, but I'se gwoine to find out if it takes a whole 
free days. Hollo, dere comes Jack, I guess I'll find out 
dis time. 



24 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 

[Enter Jack, l. and runs against Pete.] 

Jack A. Clear the track, Pete. 

Pete. I guess not, 'xplain dis running around here, 
den you can pass on wid yer. 

Jack A. Why Pete, there's going to be war. Didn't 
vou hear that the Sumpter fired on the— no, no, that 
isn't it, I mean that the war fired on Sumpter, no, that 
isn't it neither. 

Pete. Well, what do yer mean den? 

Jack A. I mean that the stars and moon, no that 
isn't it, I mean— 

Pete. You're mean enough to do anything, you 
was mean enough to load up dat old gun so as to kick 
me down. 

JACK A. Yes, and you smashed them eggs in my 
pocket. 

Pete. Well Jack, let,s call it even, an' tell me what's 
de matter. 

Jack A. Why Fort Sumpter was fired on and the 
old flag was torn down, we're going to have war. Say, 
Pete, I'm going. 

Pete, (rwoine where ? 

Jack A. Why, to war, of course. I say, Pete, Ned 
is going and Long Tom and I, and I guess you'll go too, 
won't vou, Pete ? 

Pete. Yah, yah, what would dey want wid me. 
Some of dem sogers might take me for a black chuck, 
an* kill me den shuah. 

Jack A. I'll tell you, Pete, we won't list, we'll go by 
ourselves as seouts'and be a whole army on our own 
hook, killing and slashing wherever we please. 

Pete. Jack, 1 guess I'll list in your company an den< 
we can get lots to eat and drink, and dere won't be no- 
body to steal it from us, will dere ? 

Jack A. Hollo ! Who is that four-eyed, solemn look- 
ing monster coming there ? 

[Enter Deacon, l.. and crosses to the extreme r.] 
Deacox. The country's in an awful state. [Exit R.] 
Jack A. [Mimieing.~\ The country's in an awful state. 
Pete. De country am in an orful state. [Both laugh 
heartily.'] 

[Enter ROL ROBERTS, L.] 

Pete. Great day in de morning. Dere am Rol Rob- 
erts. 



THE 'BOYS OF "6 1 



Roberts. [Aside."] So, so, it is just as I expected, 
Mr. Raymond's orders to keep a strict watch on him 
didn't come a moment to soon. I've sworn to tame that- 
black cuss, and I will do it. Well, you infernal imp, 
Avhat are you doing here, hatching up some deviltry, 
eh, you and Jack Arlington ? 

Pete. No, Massa Roberts, I was down yer on an 
-errand for Massa Raymond. 

Roberts. You lie, you rascal you, I know what 
you're about, I've been watching you. 

Jack A. [Aside.] Y T es, and I am watching you. 

Roberts. See here, Pete, I've sworn to tame you, 
and I'll doit, now leave this instant or I'll-- [liaises 
whip to strike.] 

Jack A. Put down that whip or I'll put a streak of 
day-light through you quicker than a flash of lightning 
'11 go through a goose-berry bush. Put it down, do vou 
hear ? 

Pete. Look heah, Massa Roberts, der isn't an inch 
on dis ole black body ob mine dat hasn't been cut open 
wid de lash, an, you dun it just case Fse a slave, but the 
day am not far off when you will learn to know dat 
under de black skin dere is a heart as white as youn, 
dat's beats for freedom an' is gwine to hab it. 

Jack A. That's so, by the great United States. [To 
Roberts.] There now, you walk, disappear, vanish. 

Roberts. You have me now, but mark me, Jack 
Arlington, when we meet again, I'll be prepared for 
you. [Exit l.] 

Pete. I owe you one for dat, Jack, you saved me 
from de lash, an' I won't forgit you. 

Jack A. Y T ou owe me one. and Long Tom here two. 
[Tapping of drum heard.] Hallo ! there go the boys on 
their way to the village, let's after them and fall in at 
the tail "end ! Come on, Pete, forward, let her rip- 
dust. [Exit Jack and Pete, l.] 

[End of Scene Second.] 

Scene 3.— Same as scene 1st Act 3d. Mr. and Mrs. 
Arlington and Florence discovered. 

Florence A. Father, don't you think it is near time 
for the boys to return. Oh, it will be so lonesome when 
they are gone to war. 

Mr A. True ! true ! But we must bear our troubles 
patiently, and trust to Providence for their safe return. 
[Knock- at door l.] Florence, see who's there. 



26 THE BOYS OF '6l. 

Florence A. [<2oes to door.] It is Deacon Maberry. 
[Enter Deacon, l.] 

Deacon. [Shakes hands with all.'] Ah, wv dear 
friends, the country's in an awful state. 

Mr. A. What's wrong now, friend Maberry. 

Deacon. Our young men sacrificed by the scores, 
too bad, too bad. 

Mrs. A. Heaven protect iny boys, and keep them 
out of the way of temptation. 

Deacon. Boys enlisted ? 

Mr. A. They left here for that purpose, I expect 
them every minute. 

Deacon. Nerve, friend Arlington, nerve. 

Mrs. A. This is too terrible to contemplate. 

Mr. A. Yes. it is terrible indeed, but the country 
needs men. and if I were as hale and heartv as I was 
but twenty years ago, I'd shoulder the musket myself 
and help punish those blood-thirsty scoundrels. 

Deacon. Excitement, Mr. Arlington, excitement. 
[Noise ou t side l.] 

Elorexce A. Oh, I believe the boys are coming now. 
[Enter Ned in uniform, l.] 

Ned A. Well, here I am, sworn and mustered into 
the U. S. service *Vhy, how d'ye do, Deacon. 

Deacon. Enlisted, Ned \ 

Ned A. Yes, Deacon. 

Florence A. Oh ! Ned, we will be so lonesome 
when you are gone. 

Deacon. Noble lad, noble lad. 

Ned A. Father, the regiment will soon pass here, 
when I must be ready to follow the fortunes of perhaps 
a long and bloody war. 

Mrs. A. Oh ! my dear son, I can hardily realize that 
in a short time you will leave us, perhapsnever to re- 
turn. Receive this as a parting gift from your mother, 
and when surrounded by dangers and temptations in 
camp, on long and dreary marches, or on the field of 
battle, do not, as you love your mother, forget to put 
your trust in this. [Presents testament^ 

Ned A. Mother, wherever I am, under all. circum- 
stances, may heaven direct my steps as you desire, I 
will always put my trust there. " [Noise outside, l.] 

Mr. A. Ah, there comes Jack, noisy as usual. [En- 
ter Jack, in full uniform.'] 

Jack A. Well, here I am, ready for the war-path, 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 27 



ground arms. [Lays down gun.] Why, hollo Deacon, 
glad to see you. 

Deacon. Enlisted, eh ? 

Jack A. No, Deacon. Long Tom, Pete and I are 
going on our own hook. 

Deacon. Long Tom ? Who's Long Tom. 

Jack A. Here, behold. [Shows gun,] 

Deacon. The country's in an awful state. 
[Enter Pete with knapsack, sword, and military cap, l.] 

Pete. Here I am ; make way for de black appara- 
tion. 

[Tapping of Drum heard in distance.'] 

Ned A. Oh, the regiment is coming. 

[Enter Farmer Jones, citizens, boys with flags, &c, 
L ; general leave-taking ; troops pass the doors ; waving 
of handkerchiefs, flags, hats, &c; Deacon gets on chair 
to look through the window, becomes excited and falls off 
chair; troops cheer as they pass; Jack, Pete and the 
Deacon follow after; Ned retires slowly; family sinks 
in an attitude of prayer.] 

Mr. A. May (rod protect the right. 

Tableau. Curtain. 

Note. — Where there is sufficient stage room to allow it, 
the regiment will not pass by the Arlington House, and, 
the tapping of the drum in the distance will be the signal 
for the lines ^Oh, the Regiment is Coming,'''' ivhen the 
parting of the family will take place as noted above. The 
citizens leaving quietly. Farmer Jones and the Deacon 
following. Ned and Jack retire slowly and family sink 
in an attitude of prayer. The curtain drops slowly, the 
stage is cleared and the curtain rises again on a street 
scene by night. The stage is filled with citizens, the regi- 
ment, headed by brass band and mounted officers, come 
on at r and file to l and disappear around a corner of 
the street. The music dies away in the distance and the 
regiment repeats the march until the curtain drops. The 
citizens cheer. The boys wave their hats. The Deacon 
mounts a store box, becomes excited and falls off. 
Farmer Jones is mounted on his cart ivith horse hitched 
to it. The whole scene is illuminated by red light tapers 
in the hands of the citizens. 



28 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 



ACT IV. 

Scene 1. — Headquarters of the Union Arm//. Tents 
are seen through the foliage in the distance. A practical 
tent at r. r. e. with colors flying. Stack of guns with 
troops lying around L. u. e. Guard walking l>eat at 
back. Camp stools scattered about. Gex. Meade and 
staff discovered. Music at rise of curtain. 

[Enter (Sen. Reynolds and staff, l.] 

Gex. R. Good morning, General Meade. 

Gf.x. Meade. Good morning, General. I was just 
thinking of taking a ride over to your camp to consult 
with you about a very important matter. 

Gex. R. If that is so, my visit to you has saved you 
that trouble, beside the loss of time. 

Gex. M. That is very true, take a seat, you may feel 
disposed to laugh at my whims, but does it not strike 
you that this unusual quietness of the rebels means 
mischief? 

Gkx. R. Well, I must confess I havn't given the mat- 
ter a thought. There is, however, an old maxim, that 
"a calm always precedes a storm, which might be ap- 
propriately applied in this case. 

Gex. M. Ha ! ha ! very true, and that brings up the 
old adage, "in time of peace prepare for war," 

Gex. R. Should the enemy attempt to steal the 
march on us, they will find that, although considerably 
exhausted by long marches, we will be ready to give 
them a warm reception. 

Gex. M. I hope so. By the way, what is the general 
condition of your troops ? 

Gex. R. I am pleased to say, considering all circum- 
stances, 1 never saw them better. 

Gex, M. That is certainly very cheering news, I am 
inclined to believe that we are on the eve of some very 
hot work. [Enter deserter under guard, L.] Who have 
you there ? 

Sergt. of Guard. A deserter from the rebel lines. 



THE BOYS OF '6l. 29 

Gen. M. Where did you find him? 

Sergt. of Guard. We found him straggling within 
our lines. He says he has important information to im- 
part. 

Gen. M. Ah, General, examine him, and see what 
information he has. 

Gen. Reynolds. {Comes down fronts This way. To 
what command were you attached? 

Deserter. To Gen. Longstreet's. 

Gen. R. What was your object in deserting? 

Deserter. Because my home is in the North, and I 
cannot fight against it ? 

Gen. R. Were you impressed into the service ? 

Deserter. I was. 

Gen. R. Was this the first opportunity offered you 
for escape ? 

Deserter. It was. 

Gen. R. What information have you to impart ? 

Deserter. I overheard a conversation between 
Generals Lee and Ewell. 

Gen. R. Well \ 

Deserter. General Lee said he would cross over 
into Pennsylvania, secure the Capitol and hoist the 
Confederate flag over every city, town and. village in 
the old Keystone State. 

Gen. R. Ah ! this is very important ; General, I have 
questioned him. He says, General Lee intends cros- 
sing into Pennsylvania, and hoisting the Confederate 
flag over every citv, town and village in the Keystone 
State. 

Gen. M. [Musing.] If this is true, it is indeed im- 
portant, but coining from a rather unreliable source, I 
am inclined to doubt it, and shall have the matter 

thoroughly investigated. Colonel , order Col. 

Williams to report here immediately. {Exit L.] Guard, 
conduct the man to the officer of the day and order 
him to be kept under strict guard until further orders. 
[Exit Serot. Guard and Deserter, l.J 

[Enter Col. Williams, l.] 

Col. W. General, what are your orders ? 

Gen. M. Colonel, I have important work on hand, 
for which I require a reliable and trustworthy man ; 
have you such a one in your command ? 

Col. W. I think I have. 



30 THE BOYS OF '6 1 . 

Gen. M. Then order him to report here immediately. 
[Exit Col. W., l.J 

[Enter Ned A., l.j 

Ned A. I've been ordered by Col. Williams to report 
here. 

Gen. M. Soldier, I have an important duty to be 
performed— one that requires shrewdness, courage, and 
unwavering spirit. Are you willing to undertake it? 
Reflect well before you answer ; the mission will be dif- 
ficult and dangerous, and may cost your life. 

Ned. A. General, if by undertaking this hazardous 
duty I can oblige you, and benefit our cause, I am 
ready to undertake it. 

Gen. M. Then you will at once make all necessary 
preparations, enter the enemy's lines, gain all necessary 
information in reference to their movements and de- 
signs, and report at headquarters as soon as possible. 
[Exit Ned, l.] 

[Enter officer with flag of truce under Sergeant of 
Guard, l.] 

Sergt. General, Colonel Wilson, of General Ewell's 
staff, under flag of truce. 

Gen. M. What is your desire ? 

Col. W. Gen. Ewell's compliments ; he desires the 
body of Col. Marston, who fell yesterday in a cavalry 
skirmish near Frederick. 

Gen. M. Captain, you will conduct Colonel Wilson 
through our lines, and see that Gen. Ewell's request is 
granted. [Exit Aid and Colonel Wilson.] 
[Enter Col. Mason.] 

Col. M. General, our supplies have failed to reach 
us in consequence of the railroad track having been 
torn up by a band of guerrillas supposed to be under 
the command of Capt.' Rol. Roberts. 

Gen. M. General, you will attend to this affair im- 
mediately ; order a detachment of cavalry to scour that 
section of country, repair the damage, and if possible, 
punish that notorious outlaw. [Exit Gen. R. l.] 
[Bugle call in distance.} 
[End of Scene First."] 

Scene 2. — Extreme outpost of the Confederate line. 
A distant vieiv of the encampment. Enter Capt. Rob- 
erts and Lieut, l. 



THE BOYS OF "6 1. 3 I 

Roberts. Ha, ha, ha! I say Lieutenant, the Yanks '11 
have a glorious time in getting that railroad repaired, 
I think some of them '11 grow lean for the want of grub. 

Lieut. That's so, Captain ; but don't you think this 
will stir up the Yankee hounds and put them in hot 
pursuit of us ? 

Roberts. I've no doubt of that, but you know when 
they attempt to put hands on us — 

Lieut. Why, we're not there. Ha, ha. 

Roberts Ha, ha. They will find us a good deal 
like the will-o-tbe-wisp, the further they follow the 
deeper they get into the mire, but Lieutenant, we're 
losing time talking here ; go and have the horses well 
shod, give the men three days rations, see that their 
side arms are in good condition, and meet me at the 
cross-roads in three hours. [.Exit Lieut, r.] If my 
plan works, I'll give them another blow where they 
least expect it. [Exit R.] 

[Enter Pete l.] 
Pete. I wonder where dat Massa Jack got to, I'se 
been looking all day for him. Dis morning when I woke 
up he was nowhere about. He'll git himself into trouble 
yet, shuah. I wonder who demfellers am down in the 
woods, dey got dere horses tied to the trees an dey are 
laying about dere swearin like troopers. I wonder who 
dey are, great day in de morning. I'll bet dem is gor- 
rillers, I better keep myself sceerce here. Hollo, who's 
dat ole feller coming dere. 

[Enter Ned A. disguised, R.] 

Pete. [Aside.] I guess he's an ole pie peddler ; I 
wo nder ef I'se got free cents in my pockets. [Searches 
pocket-~] 

Ned A. I'm now within the rebel lines and caution 
must be my guiding star. Thrice have I been put to a 
severe test, but thanks to a kind Providence, I have 
thus far escaped detection. Hollo, who have we there. 
As I live 'tis my old and tried friend Pete. Ah, a thought 
strikes me. It is evident he does not know me. I'll 
try a little ruse to test my disguise morefully. Good 
morning, my friend, can I sell you anything to-day ? 

Pete. Well, I declare to goodness, I can't find dem 
stamps. 

Ned A. I hope you haven't been robbed. 

Pete. No, guess not, go through that wardrobe ob 



32 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 

mine dey would 1 1 get much. I bet this is some of Jack's 
work. 

Ned, A. Jack, Jack, who is Jack ? Is he any relation 
of yours. 

Pete. No, not 'xactly a relation, but he's a kind ob 
twin brodder in arms. 

Ned A. Does Jack, that twin brother of yours, as 
you call him. enjoy good health ? 

Pete. You jest bet high on dat, great day in de 
morning, you ought to see him eat, he goes trough corn- 
dodgers like a greased hog frough a garden gate. 

Ned A. I am glad to hear it. So you can't find the 
stamps; well never mind, I think you are honest, you 
can pay me when next you see me. Here, take a pie 
and pipe, and here's one" for Jack, that twin brother of 
yours. 

Pete. Thank ye, old man, and when I see you again, 
I'll pay yon as sure's my name's Pete. 

NED A. You call me old, now how old do you sup- 
pose I am I 

Pete. Well, you's about, let me see, you's about 
eighty years old. 

NED A. Ha! ha! guess again, guess again, and maybe 
you'll get nearer the mark. 

Pete. l)is time I miss him, no, guess you's about, 
you's about, let me see, you's about ninety-free. 

NED A. Wrong again. I find you are not so good at 
guessing age. Now, suppoose you look at me sharply, 
and see whether you can guess my name. 

Pete. De land of goodness, how does ye'spect I can 
guess yer name. I's no gizzard ob de East, why I neb- 
ber seed ye before. 

Ned A. Well, since you cannot guess my age or name, 
and never saw me before. I will tell you; I am twenty- 
eight years of age, and my name is Ned Arlington. 

Pete. {Surprised.'] Great day in de morning, does 
I sleep or am I 'wake; stop till I bite my finger: I golly 
I'se awake. 

Ned A. Ha! ha! I say Pete, you owe me one for this, 
but never mind, you may have an opportunity to repay 
it. I've been ordered to enter the enemy's lines to gain 
information, and finding you here, I thought it a fine 
opportunity to test my disguise. You failed to recog- 
nize me, and I now feel doubly sure I shall escape de- 
tection. I have a dangerous road to travel, and I may 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. T>2> 

never return. If you should not hear from me in three 
days, tell Jack to write home that I had died like a 
soldier, with my face to the enemy. Good bye, Pete; 
good bye. [Exit, L.] 

Pete. Good bye, Massa Ned, de Lord bress ye. Now 
he'll get himself into trouble, shuah ; I'll just scout 
round here, find Jack, tell him all about it, and den 
we'll follow him. [Exit, R.] 

Scene 3.— Headquarters of Gen. Lee. View of the 
Potomac River in the distance. Scattered tents seen in 
the distance l. Gen. Lee and staff discovered. Gen. 
Lee is examining map which is spread out on the head 
of a bass drum. Lively music. 

[Enter Gen. Lonostreet and staff, L.J 

Gen. Longstreet. Good day, General. 

Gen. Lke. Good morning. General, you are certainly 
very punctual. I was just examining the different 
routes leading to a certain point, and am somewhat 
puzzled, owing to some information I expected to receive 
from my scouts, who have not yet returned. 

Gen. Longstreet. Have you any suspicion of them 
having fallen into the hands of the enemy ? 

Gen. Lee. Yes, there is certainly something wrong, 
they should have reported here early this morning. 

Gen. Longstreet. Ah ! that looks bad indeed, 
but I hope they may turn up in time yet, to assist you 
out of this difficulty. 

Gen. Lee. [Musing.'] Ah! an idea has occurred to 

me. Colonel, order the major commanding the 7th 

South Carolina Regiment to detail a sergeant and six 

good men and have them report here immediately. 

[Exit Col., l.] 

[Enter Gen. Ewell and staff, l.] 

Gen. Ewell. How do you do, General? 

Gen. Lee. How d'ye do, General Ewell, I'm happy 
to see you. What is the condition of your command ? 

Gen. Ewell. Well, considering the fatiguing marches 
into Pennsylvania, their condition is very good. 

Gen. Lee. That is well; if all my officers could say 
as much, I would have no fears for the future. 
[Enter Col. of Lee's staff, l.] 

Gen. Lee. [To aid.] Captain, go to General Stuart's 
headquarters and see whether those scouts have re- 
turned. [Exit aid, l.] Generals, I wish to draw your 



34 THE BOYS OF "6 1 . 

attention to a few points on this map, which is my 
chief object in bringing you here. [Examine rhap.~\ 
[Enter Sergeant and Soldiers^ l.] 
SerCtT. Maipr Thorn ordered me to report here. 
(Iex. Lee. Sergeant, you will stack arms and await 
further orders. 

[Enter Sdy r. Aid l. 
Aid. General, the scouts have not yet returned, it is 
the opinion of General Stuart that they were captured. 
Gex. Lee. Just as I expected. 

[Enter Rol. Roberts r. 
Col. Raymond. [Of Gen. Longstreefs Staff comes 
down stage.'] Good morning, Roberts, I hear that you 
have been hitting the Yanks some pretty hard blows 
lately. 

ROBERTS. Why, yes. Colonel, they know who I am 
by this time, if they don't they'll soon find out. 

*Col. Raymond. Yes, I think so. Everything looks 
favorable now, and it is my opinion, before long the 
Confederate flag will float over the capitol at Washing- 
ton, and our troops will revel in the green fields of 
Pennsylvania. 

Roberts. Ha, ha, that will give me a fine oppor- 
tunity to fatten my horses at the same time. 

Col. R. Yes. Too long has this Yankee horde 

trampled on our sacred soil, but now the Confederate 

star is in the ascendancy, and its destiny is upward and 

onward, rising higher and higher until these Northern 

plebeians are forced to acknowledge our independence. 

Roberts. So may it be. By the way, Colonel, have 

you heard anything* of the Arlington family lately? 

Col. R. Nothing particular. But why do you ask ? 

Roberts. O, I merely asked for information ; old 

acquaintances, you know ; and then, old Arlington has 

a tine daughter. You have not written to her lately, 

eh? 

Col. R. [Aside.] It is evident that this fellow knows 
of my attempts at opening a correspondence with Miss 
Arlington. I see you have my secret, Roberts, and you 
will oblige me by keeping this affair strictly private. 

Roberts. O, of course ; as I can gain nothing by 
babbling, you need not fear. 

Col. R. I have written two letters to Florence 
Arlington, but— 



THE BOYS OF '6l. 35 

Roberts. Received no answer, ha, ha. 

Col. R. How did you learn this ? 

Roberts. Mere guess work. Colonel, that's all. 
Well, I wish you success ; it would be a crusher for her 
brother Ned, that very particular friend of yours, you 
know. 

Col. R. I do not understand you, I can assure you 
that my motives towards Miss Arlington are pure and 
honorable. 

Roberts. Ha, ha, that'll do to tell the marines, 
but it won't do here. 

Col. R. Will you explain ? 

Robp:rts. Why, 'pon my honor, Colonel, one that 
didn't know you as well as 1, w r ould suppose that you 
were really sincere, by your serious looks. 

Col. R. Roberts, you feel disposed to jest with nie, 
I am inclined to believe that you have been drinking 
too much. I tell you, I was never more serious in my 
life. 

Roberts. Better and better ; come, come, you don't 
suppose I've forgotten that little affair that happened 
at your father's house at the breaking out of the war, 
your quarrel with Ned Arlington, and your oath about 
having revenge. 

Col. R. Well, sir ; in what manner can you connect 
that quarrel with my intentions towa-rd Miss Arlington ? 

Roberts. That is not so hard to understand. A seri- 
ous love affair. Very flattering letters from Colonel 
Raymond, full of sincerity and golden promises, eh? 
Splendid air castles, ha, ha. Promise of marriage. An 
elopement. And— finally the girl yields. Ah, won't 
that be sweet revenge on Ned Arlington ? 

Spy. Fiend— [Springs forward and catches Roberts 
by the throat.'] 

Roberts. What does this mean? Unhand me, old 
man, or I'll— [Throws him off.~\ 

Spy. 1 — I beg pardon Captain, I often get these spells. 

Roberts. Well, the next time your spell comes on 
keep your hands off of me. 

Spy*. Yes, you see Captain, family affairs and this 
terrible war have made the mind of this old man a little 
feeble at times. 

Robert. So it seems. What have you in your basket 
— Avhat are you selling. 

Spy. Well, I'm trying to make a living by selling 



36 



THE BOYS OF ? 6l. 



comb?, brushes, tobacco, pipes, pies, &c, to the soldiers. 
Can't I sell something to you to-day, Captain ? 

Roberts. Let me see what you have. [Examim i& 
and prices several articles. Watches the Spy closely^] 
Have you always made your living by peddling? 

Spy. No, Captain, time was when I had two stout 
boys to assist me, but they are now in the army fighting 
the battles of their country. 

Roberts. In the army? What army? 

Spy. The Confederate army, Captain. You wouldn't 
suppose they were in the Yankee army? 

Roberts. Well, I didn't know ; stranger things than 
that happen sometimes. 

Spy. Yes. Captain ; I'm much obliged to you for 
your help, and may God protect the right. 

Robers. [Watches Spy, aside.] There's something 
devilish strange about that old man that puzzles me. 
Something in that voice seems familiar, yet I cannot 
place him. I'll watch him closely at all events. 

Gen. Lee. Well, gentlemen, clo my plans in refer- 
ence to this new movement harmonize with your views? 

Gens. Loxgstreet and Ewell. They do. 

Gen. Lee. Then all is understood, General Long- 
street, you will march your command in two columns, 
keeping your flanks well protected, and move as swiftly 
as possible ; the hour is four in the morning. {Exit 
Longstreet and Staff.] Gen. Ewell, you will move 
your troops at three in the morning, keep them well 
concentrated, ready for any emergency. {Exit Ewkll 
and Staff.] Sergeant, you will take those orders to 
head-quarters of Gen Hill, and deliver them to him per- 
sonally, with dispatch, for enclosed are orders relative 
to duties to which I have assigned you. [Sergeant 
pats orders in belt, moves off, Spy takes them, seen by 
Roberts.] 

[Exit soldiers, L.] 

Roberts. [Chuckling.] So, so, my suspicions are 
well grounded. Now,then, to capture him, show him up 
in his true colors, and further my chances of promotion. 
[Exit l.] [Scene closed in.] 



Scene Fourth.— Landscape. 
[Pistol shots and noise outside, enter Ned Arlington, 
hastily, l.] 
Ned A. The infernal bloodhound Rol Roberts, has 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 37 

seen through my disguise, and is in hot pursuit of me. 
My only chance of escape is in flight. Should they at- 
tempt to lay their blood-stained hands upon me, they'll 
find that I will sell my life dearly. [Draws a pistol. 
Exit, r.] 

[Enter hastily, Lieutenant and Private of Roberts' 
band, L.] 

Lieut. There he goes; follow him and take him, 
dead or alive. 

[Pistol shot heard; Private staggers and falls; Lieu- 
tenant drags him off, r.] 
[Enter Roberts, and two privates, l.] 

Roberts. Ah, he runs like a thief. Joe, go to head- 
quarters and bring two of the bloodhounds. If they 
are once upon his track let him say his prayers, for he 
cannot escape. Ah, he has wounded one of my men. 
By the eternal, that seals his doom. After him. [Exit r. 

Scene 5.-^4 dense /roods in a ravine. Huge rocks are 
cropping out here and there which are half concealed by 
a thick growth of underbrush As the scene opens the 
Guerillas are discovered tying Ned A. to a tree. 

Bill. I say, boys, we'll hang him up. 

Joe. Aye, aye, where's a rope ? Ah, here's one, now 
then boys, we'll make him dance on air, here goes. 
[Puts rope around Ned's neck.'] 

[Enter Roberts, r.] 

Roberts. Back, I say, every one of you, I'm Captain 
here. [Men murmur.'] Oh, none of your black looks. 
[To Ned.] So, so, my honest old peddler, you've got into 
a hornet's nest at last. How do you sell your combs; 
sold all your pies, eh? [Takes basket, empties it on 
stage, men gather up the articles.] There go the 
contents of your basket, food for my men, and it won't 
be long before your body will be food for crows. 

Ned. A. Oh, you may taunt away, Rol. Robert, I am 
powerless now, but the time uiay come when these 
limbs will be free to strike to the earth and trample 
under foot such sneaking curs as you. 

Roberts. Ha, ha ! I've heard you Yankees talk 
before. Lieutenant, go to Col. Raymond, and tell him 
I want to see him immediately. Tell him I've treed a 
live Yankee peddler, d'ye hear? [Exit Lieut, l.] This 
answers my purpose very well. Col. Raymond shall 
know how easily he's been duped, and my shrewdness 
in detecting; him will go far towards elevating me 



38 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 



in the estimation of my superiors. [Enter Col. 
Raymoxd, l.] 

Col. R. Well, Roberts, if you have any business- 
with me, let me hear it at once, my time is precious. 
Ah, who have you there? Why have you that old man 
tied to a tree, a prisoner ? 

Roberts. Old man, eh ? That's a peddler, isn't it f 
Ha, ha ; step this way till I give you an introduction to- 
the old gentleman. [Removes disguise. J There, do you 
think you've seen him before ? 

Col. R. [Surprised.'] Ned Arlington ? 

Ned A. Yes, Col. Raymond, it is Ned Arlington, a 
prisoner at the mercy of a cut-throat. [Roberts 
attempt* to strike.] Oh, you can strike me; it is befitting 
a coward to strike an unarmed and defenseless man. 

Col. R. Ned Arlington, it is needless to remind you 
of the position in which you are placed. You have 
entered our lines as a spy and have been captured. 

Ned A. And I am ready to abide the conse- 
quences. 

Col. A. Should I report your case to headquarters, 
no power on earth could save you. I do not rejoice at 
your misfortune, but extend to you the hand of 
sympathy, 

Ned A." Sympathy from him whose hands are red 
with the blood of his countrymen I do not ask. 

Col. R. Speak not too rashly ; recollect that you are 
in my power. None but Rol. Roberts and I know of 
your capture. Any show of defiance will only hasten 
your doom. 

Ned A. I expect no mercy ; do your worst. 

Col. R. On one condition, and that alone, can you 
expect mercy. Life is sweet. You have father, mother 
and sister who are dear to you, and you to them. If 
you will accept I will cut the cords and you are free. 
Shall I name the condition ? 

Ned A. I am ready to hear ir. 

Col. R. It is this : Forsake this rotten abolition 
cause, throw off the shakles that bind you to a hireling 
despotism, and enroll your name with us in establishing 
our independence. Will you do it ? 

Ned A. Colonel, the condition is brief and to the 
point, and my answer shall be the same. I will not ac- 
cept, 

Col. R. Then you have sealed your own doom. 



THE BOYS OF '6l. T>9 

NEd A. And may that doom sound the death-knell 
of the Southern Confederacy. 

Col. R. I am done. In consideration of our early 
friendship, I will not report your capture to head- 
quarters, but leave you to the tender mercies of Captain 
Rol. Roberts. 

Ned. A. [Aside.] Then I am lost indeed. 

Col. R. Ned Arlington, farewell. [Exit L.] 

Roberts. Ha, ha. Leave you to the tender mercies 
of Rol. Roberts. Ned Arlington, I hate you ; I've not 
forgotten the day you crossed me in my love for Alice 
Raymond -how you poisoned her mind against me with 
soft and oily words — but now comes my revenge ; here 
upon the spot you shall die the death of a dog. You 
shall not be honored with a grave, but here at the foot 
of this tree shall your flesh rot and your bones bleech. 
Crows and buzzards shall feast upon your rotten 
carcass. 

Ned A. Oh, inhuman monster. 

Roberts. Monster, indeed. This is not all; hear me. 
When you are dead I will write letter after letter to 
your old father and mother, telling them that you 
deserted the Union cause, were captured, and died the 
ignominious death of a deserter. Thus shall the proud 
spirits of your parents who love you be crushed to earth, 
and your name be aby-word. They will curse you ; aye, 
curse the day that gave birth to Ned Arlington. 

Ned A. Oh, had I but the strength to rend these 
fetters, that I might leap upon you, tear out that base, 
cowardly heart of yours, and show to the world what 
foul corruptions make up this cursed Southern Con- 
federacy. 

[Jack and Pete behind rocks, exchanging signals.'] 

Roberts. Rail away ; we'll soon stop that ranting 
tongue of yours. I say, Lieutenant, how will we dis- 
pose of this fellow ? 

All. Hang him, hang him. 

Roberts. Well, so let it be, prepare the rope. Ned 
Arlington, say your prayers. 

{Loud singing heard off, L.] 

Lieut. Hollo, who comes there ? 
[Jack and Pete conic on from the l. very much intoxi- 
cated and singing, " Way do/m South in Dixie. 1 ' They 

are carrying a jug between them, and are thoroughly 



40 THE BOYS OF '6l. 

disguised, Jack having the appearance of a country 

lout, while Pete looks like a veritable contraband.'] 

Jack. I say, Uncle, here, just hold this jug — 

Roberts. [7b Jack.] Here, I'll save you the trouble, 
I'll hold it myself. Who are you ? Where did you come 
from ? Where are you going ? What's your name ? 

Jack. Darn'd if I know. 

Roberts. [7b Pete.] What's your name. 

Pete. Moses Sassafras, of Sassafras County, born in 
Sassafras town, on the Sassafras river, and I'se going 
to Sassafras creek. 

Roberts. What's in this jug. 

Pete. Sassafras beer. 

Roberts. Sassafras beer, eh. [Drinks."] Well, if 
this is Sassafras beer, I'd like to know what you call 
whiskey. Here, men, help yourselves. [Roberts passes 
the jug to the men, who drink and pass it around. 
JACK and Petk exchange signals with Ned, who fails to 
recognize them. The jug is passed around until it is 
drained, while Jack and Petk fill up the interval 
by singing and shouting for Jeff Davis. The men 
yawn ami stagger about and one by one they reel and 
fall. Rol. Roberts moves about in a dazed coudi- 
tion and finally seems to realize his stab, when he leaps 
forircrd and draws his sword partly from the scabbard 
and t xclaims : Oh ! curse the luck, this liquor has been 
drugged! then swags to and fro, and Jails, JACK and 
Pete run back to the tree, release Ned. and bring him 
forward. They remove their disguise, and Ned looks 
from one to the other in blank surprise. 

<^T Note— This Scene is ad libitum and depends upon 
the actors taking part in it. ('are should be taken to 
avoid anything in the shape of burlesque or exaggeration, 
because the dramatic situation is of such a Character, 
that it will not allow of it. 

Ned. A. {Takes them both by the hand.] Why Jack, 
Pete, God biess you. I am free again. My brave pre- 
servers, how can I repay you for this noble act ? 

Jack. Never mind that, Ned. {Takes jug.] This 
Jersey lightning did the work. Just think of it; half a 
gallon ol lightning and a quarter pound opium. Ha! 
ha ! there they lay, a glorious pack of sleeping beauties. 
Pete. When dat pack of sleeping beauties woke up 
won't dey swear ; I guess dey'll be mighty keerful how 
they drink sassafras beer after this. Great day in de 



THE 'BOYS OF '6l 4 1 

morning, just think ob it— two quarts of whiskey an' a 
quarter pound ob sleepium. 

Ned A. Well, my fine fellows, you have done your 
work well. I have gained important information while 
in the enemy's camp, and must hasten to headquarters 
to report. Tarry here awhile and see that none of these 
infernal cut-throats dog my footsteps. Farewell, and 
may Heaven bless you. [Exit, r.] 

Jack. Lay there, you have slain thousands. I say 
Pete, disarm, dismantle, disrig, destroy. 

Pete. What you mean by dat, disarm, dismantle, 
disrig, destroy ? 

Jack. I speak in parables, behold me. [Takes 
muskets, takes off caps, fills them from the jug, fires pistol 
and run behind rocks. Lieutenant follows, is shot, stag- 
gers, falls.'] 

Pete. Great day in the moring, dere goes a hundred 
and fifty pounds ob sleepium. [Scene closed in.'] 

Scexe Sixth. — Landscape, distant tiring. 
[Enter Gex. Lee and staff, r.] 

Gex. Lee. [Examining field.] I am now thoroughly 
convinced that the Federals have received information 
of my movements on their right. This will compel me 
to change my plan of attack. Colonel, tell General 
Longstreet to move his forces to the centre, throw out 
his skirmishers as far as possible, and endeavor to draw 
the enemy's attention in that direction. [Exit Colonel, 
l.] Should the enemy mistake this for a feint move- 
ment, as I believe they will, their centre will be weak 
and General Longstreet can advance his columns with 
little or no opposition. 

[Enter Aid of Gen. E well's staff, R.] 

Aid. General, General Hill ordered me to inform 
you that the enemy are moving to the right and left, 
and believes they are attempting a flank movement. 

Gex. Lee. Ah ! this sounds like Avork. Order Gen- 
eral Hill to remove his forces at once to the extreme 
right, and if possible, hold them in check until he hears 
from General Longstreet in the rear, [exit Aid,n.] then 
Til have them between two fires. Captain, you will 
order General Ewell to move his forces from the extreme 
right to the rear of General Hill, and to be ready to 
support him at any moment. [Exit Aid, R.] [Examin- 
ing field.] I see they are very active on my left ; I will 



42 THE BOYS OF '6 1. 

hasten to meet them, and give them a warm reception 
in that quarter. [Exit, R.] 



Scene Seventh.— Woods; Gen. Meade, staff and 

orderlies discovered; tiring in distance. 

[Enter Col. o/Gex. Reynolds' staff, l.] 

Col. General, the army under the command of Gen- 
eral Longstreet has attacked our centre, and unless 
General Sedgwick is speedily reinforced he will be com- 
pelled to give way. 

Gen. Meade. Tell General Howard to forward his 
troops immediately to the support of General Sedgwick 
in the centre. {Exit Col., L.J That position must me 
held at all hazards. 

{Enter Capt. of Reynolds' staff, l.] 

Capt. Sir, General Reynolds has fallen mortally 
wounded, and the first Corps is now without a com- 
mander. 

Gen. Meade. Ah, this is sad news indeed; it is almost 
impossible to fill the vacancy caused by the loss of 
so brave a man. Order General Doubleday to assume 
command of the first Corps, until further orders. 

[ Volleys of musketry and roaring of cannon heard. 
Gkx. Meadk and staff retire to the r. ' Col. Mason, of 
Gen. Mkadk's staff staggers and falls and is carried off 
by two orderlies. Wounded soldiers are carried from 
the field, some on stretchers and others are assisted by 
their comrades. Jack and PKTE cross the field with 
Rebel prisoners. Pktk has a Rebel flag which, he waves 
triumphantly The Union troops appear on the l. and 
fall hack stubbornly, firing as they r< treat The Rebels 
advance and drier the Union forces to tin r , when they 
waver and fall back. The command "Rally!" is heard 
along the line, when there is a general charge. Tableau. 
Curtain.] 



THE BOYS OF '6 1. 



43 



ACT V. 

SCElSKl.—The interior of an old building on the out- 
skirts of the battlefield. Hospital cots, surgeons, nurses, 
and orderlies discovered. The cots are all occupied by 
wounded soldiers, both Union and Confederate. Col. 
Raymoxd is lying upon a cot on the right down front. 
WILL Stanton occupies a cot on the L., a nurse is 'by his 
side and is looking anxiously into //is face. Tables with 
pitchers, tumblers, bandages, lint. &c.,pen and inkstand, 
writing paper, d'c. The Curtain rises to plaintive 
music. Ned A. enters- l. and goes to the side of Will 
Stanton, and shrinks back with an exclamation of sur- 
prise. 

Ned A. Dead— 

Nurse. Dead. [Folds his hands across his breast, 
covers his face with a blanket and sinks into a chair.] 

Ned. A. [Uncovering him and looking long and 
anxiously into his face.'] Poor Will ! So brave, so noble, 
and so generous. The only support of an aged and 
widowed mother, gone to his long home, and she left 
broken-hearted and penniless in this cold and unfeeling 
world. Another victim added to the long roll of the 
dead who fell in defense of a nation's honor. Poor 
Will, peace to his ashes. [Goes back.'] [Slow music as 
two stretcher-bearers enter l. and carry off the body L. 
Ned A. following slowly after.] 

[Enter Alice Raymond, r.] 

Alice. [To Surgeon.] Sir, can you tell me whether 
Col. Raymond is in this hospital ? 

Surgeon. Col. Raymond of the Confederate army ? 

Alice. Yes, sir. 

Surgeon. Is he a relative of yours ? 

Alice. He is my brother. 

Surgeon. He lies on yonder cot. 

Alice. [To Col. R.] Harry, brother, arouse your- 
self. Do y ou not know me, doVou not know your sister, 
Alice ? 



44 THE BOYS OF '61. 

Col. R. Why yes, so it is, my own sister, Alice. This 
is very kind of you, to come so far to see me. How 
are father and mother ? 

Alice R. [Aside.] Oh ! how can I find courage to 
tell him of their heavy loss and poverty. They — they 
are— as well as could be expected, Harry. 

Col. R. I'm glad to hear you say that, I long to see 
them. Give me a glass of water. That is refreshing. 
Alice, I am badly wounded, I would like to go home 
to die. 

Alice R. No, no, do not speak thus. While there is 
life, there is hope. I will do all in my power to get you 
home. [To Surgeon.] Sir, I wish to take my brother 
home, can you give me permission ? 

Surgeon. Madam, our orders in reference to remov- 
ing wounded prisoners are strict ; I have not the power 
to grant your request. 

Alice R. [To Nurse.] Will you assist me? 

Nurse. My duty is to attend to the sick and 
wounded. I have no influence in having any one re- 
moved. 

Alice R. [To Orderly. ] Perhaps you can help me ? 

Orderly. Madam, I can do nothing for you. 

Alice R. Oh, is there no help, must I leave him to 
die in this loathsome place? No, no, I can not. [To 
Surgeon.] If you cannot help me, pray tell me, is 
there no one here who can use his influence in my 
behalf.' 

Surgeon. I know of none. Stop, there is an officer 
here who may have some influence. [Writes note and 
gives to Orderly ; exit Orderly.] [Alice goes to 
Harry.] 

Col. R. Give me a glass of water. [Alice gives water.] 

[Enter Ned A., l., with his arm in a sling.] 

Surgeon. [Bringing Alice down stage and opposite 
Ned A.] Madam, Captain Arlington. 

Alice R. [Aside.] Great heavens ! Ned Arlington 
here? 

Ned A. Miss Raymond, this meeting is sudden and 
unexpected. This is the first time I've had the honor 
of seeing you since I was driven from your father's 
house at the opening of the rebellion. The Surgeon in- 
formed me that you have business with me. Please 
state it. 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 . 45 

Alice R. [Aside] His apparent coldness seems to 
tell me that my case is hopeless. Ned, 1 beg pardon, 
Captain Arlington, my brother lies here severely 
wounded, I wish to have him removed to his home, will 
you lend me your assistance. 

Ned A. Miss Raymond, I have respect for the kind 
feelings you have for your brother, but I fear I cannot 
assist you. It is a difficult matter to have a Union 
Soldier removed from here, much more so, one whose 
arm has been raised against the Government. 

Alice R. Oh, sir, imagine yourself in my brother's 
position, wounded, sick and dying, far from home and 
friends, your sister traveling many miles, weary and 
footsore to reach your side that she might comfort you 
in your dying hours ; behold that, sister pleading to 
have you removed to your home to take the last fare- 
well or your father and mother, and receive their final 
blessing. What would you think of the man who would 
not use all his energies to have that last fond desire 
granted ? 

Ned A. Miss Raymond, the picture which you would 
impress upon my mind is full of feeling. I can see it all, 
but there are sometimes obstacles in the way, which 
forbid us following the finer impulses of the heart, and 
make us appear stern and indifferent ; I know your love 
and anxiety for your brother, and if I Avould obey the 
dictates of my own feelings. I would say remove him at 
once, but I 

Alice R. Oh, sir, do not say you cannot ; forget for 
a time the cold formalities of the soldier, take the re- 
sponsibility upon yourself, for my sake— for the sake of 
her who was oncedear to you. Oh — you can — you will 
—behold, on my knees I implore it. [Sinks on her knees.'] 

Ned A. [Aside.] She's on her knees, her proud 
spirit is broken. Miss Raymond, arise, do you remember 
my last visit to your father's house, the quarrel and 
separation, have you forgotten with what a proud de- 
fiant spirit you ordered me from your presence, and 
bade me never to cross your threshold again until I 
would fall upon my knees and ask for your forgiveness, 
and for what? Because I dared to disagree with your 
father on a question, which in my opinion involved the 
two great extremes of right and wrong. 

Alice R. Oh, sir, believe me, it was but the excite- 
ment and passion of a moment. 



4 6 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 



Ned A. Aye, it was the excitement and passion of a 
few designing men, that have deluged our country in 
blood, cast sorrow and gloom o'er this once fair and 
happy land, and sent misery and distress into thousands 
of homes. This was the work of men laboring under 
passion and excitement — may God forgive them ! 

Alice R. Oh, then forget the past, forgive those 
who have done wrong, and grant my request. 

Ned A. It shall be done. I hold no animosity to- 
wards those wounded men. who through the misfortunes 
of war have fallen in our hands. I will relieve you of 
your anxiety. Ten days ago I wrote to the proper au- 
thorities about your brother, and here is the reply. 
Surgeon, please examine the document and see if it is 
correct. 

ScrCtEON. [Examines document."] It is correct, Or- 
derly, you will have Col. Raymond removed at once. I 
will attend to the transportation. [Exit Orderly, l.] 

[Enter Orderly and stretcher-bearers l. They place 
Col. Raymond on the stretcher and are carrying him 
toward the l., when hesignalsthem to stop. JETecaWsNftD 
A. to his side and asks his forgiveness; Ned takes him 
by the hand and exclaims: ' Col. Raymond, as Heaven 
is my witness* I forgive you, and retires toward centre of 
stage back. Alice follows the stretcher bearers to the l. 
and then turns and faces Ned A. She pauses a moment, 
then approaches him, falls upon her knees and exclaims: 
Oh, Ned, may Heaven bless you. Soft music, which is 
kept up at intervals during the entire scene.]— [Scene 
closed in. ] 

Scene 2. —An open landscape with a distant view of 
the battlefield. 

Pete. [Outside.] Go way from dere, keep your 
paws of 'o dat knapsack. [Enter l.] Oh ! come inter 
me, come into me, I'll string you up like ingions, fifty 
on a rope, I'll larn you to keep your paws off o' my 
trunk. Dem dar rapscallions wanted to steal my 
clothes what I picked up on de battle field. I lost my 
old clothes in the scrimmage somehow, an great day in 
de morning I must wear something. [Puts down knap- 
sack and opens it.] Dis yer coat I tuk from the dead 
body ob a dead mule driber. [Puts on coat, ivhich is 
too tight.] Great day in the morning, dat must a been 
a young mule driber. [Puts on hat.] Dis heah hat I 
tuk from de body ob anoder dead mule driber, great 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 . 47 

day in de morning, dat must a been a swell head mule 
driber. [Takes shell out of knapsack.'] I wonder w r hat 
dat is now, it looks like a squash wid a hole bored in it. 
[Noise outside ] Who's dat millinary chap coming down 
de road, he looks like a moonstruck Yankee out on a 
specerlation. I Enter J ack. He has on a poorly fitting 
uniform and has several swords buckled around him.'] 
I guess I'd better git out o 1 dis, or he'll chop me up into 
mince meat, shuah. 

Jack. Hold, hold, stop, be ye friend or foe, answer 
me, or you'll hear thunder belching forth from my 
bosom friend, my right bower, my long Tom. 

Pete. [Aside.] Great day in the morning, dat is 
Jack. Say you, put dat weeping down, guess I knows 
you; yer name's Jack. 

Jack. Away from me, hence, be gone, my name is 
not Jack, it is Jacko, de brigando don furioso. 

Pete. Yah, yah, Jacko, de blackguardo don blow 
yer noseo. 
Jack. Hallo ! that is Pete. 

Pete. No sah; hence, be gone, vanquish; it is not Pete, 
it is Peto don Petoso on a debbil ob a busto. 

Jack. Shade of my ancestors, come to my arms ! 
Pete. I ain't yer aunt's sister; w r hat am I got to do 
wid her. 
jAck A. Well, come anyhow. [Embrace."] 
Pete. I say, Jack, where did yer git dem clothes an 
cheese knifes. 

Jack A. Listen, and I will a tale unfold, that will 
harrow up your blood and make that wool upon your 
head as straight as a forked streak of lightning— I stole 
'em. 

Pete. Yer did, did yer ? I borrowed mine from a 
diseased mule driber. 1 tuk a lease on em for ninety- 
nine years. 

Jack A. Say, Pete, what have you got there ? 
Pete. Dat dere am a relish wot I picked up on de 
battle field. I'se gwoine to take it home, an put it on 
de mantle fur a ornament. 

Jack A. [Examines shell.] What, you imp of dark- 
ness, going to take it home. Touch it lightly, handle it 
gently, make no noise or she'll bust; it's a shell. 

Pete. Hocum, slocum, so it is, do yer think it will 
^xplode ? 



4 8 



THE BOYS OF '6 1 



Jack A. Put it down, trifle not with the black and 
hideous monster, for grim death lurks within its 
sepulchral chambers. 

Pete. [Puts down shell.] Lay dere, yer hab slain 
thousands. 

Jack A. Aye, lay there, thou inhuman torturer. 
Now let's away in search of brother Ned. Did you hear 
that he was clipped in the wing ? 

Pete. Great day in de morning, has Massa Ned got 
wings ? 

Jack A. Wings ! no, when I say wings, I mean 
arms. He was shot in the arm by a ball, said ball came 
from a gun, said gun was fired by something 
in the shape of a man, said man belonged to the 
rebel army, and said army will soon be en route for the 
regions of eternal darkness below. There, you dark- 
skinned monster, do you understand ? 

Pete. De man dat couldn't understand dat should 
go home to his mudder. [Exit r.] 



Scene 3. — An apartment in tht Raymond mansion. 
The appearance of the furniture, &c, betokens misfor- 
tune and poverty, ' Harry Raymond is lying on a bed, 
on the right centfe, while the family are grouped around 
him. An old and faithful slave is crouched in the vomer 
at l. back. Mr. Raymond look* pah and haggard and 
his hair has grown quite white. The scene opens to 
plaintive music. 

Kate R. Is there no hope, mother ? 

Mrs. R. Alas ! I fear there is none. 

Harry R. Steady, forward men, forward and charge 
with a will. 

Alice R. Hear him, mother, his mind is wandering 
back again to that fearful battle scene. 

Harry R. Raise me up, so that I can view the field. 
There, see them, column after column, moving steadily 
onward, and see, they charge, and — great heaven, they 
are driven back. 

Mr. R. Rest easy, my son, it is nothing. [Aside.] 
His mind is wandering. 

Harry R. Ah, dreaming again. Father, I have 
something to say to you before I die, I can now see 
it all. 

Mr. R*. See what, Harry? Speak out, I am listening. 



THE BOYS OF "6 1 . 



49 



Harry R. Father — oh ! this racking pain — and 
thirst. [Mrs. R. gives him water.'] Father, I am not 
long for this world, and ere I close my eyes forever, I 
wish you would grant me a dying request. Will you 
do it? 

Mr. R. Ask me anything, and if it lies in my power, 
it shall be granted. 

Harry K. Father, the country is engaged in adread- 
ful struggle, and I feel as though it was a contest of 
wrong against right. Father, promise me that you 
will renounce the Confederate cause, for something 
tells me we are wrong. 

Mr. R. [Aside.'] O, how can I make this sacrifice ? 
But- 

Alice R. Father, do not hesitate, remember, you 
have promised to grant any request. 

Mr. R. True, true. I have, but consider the circum- 
stances, the — 

Alice R. Yes, consider the circumstances, look 
around you, desolation and ruin extending all over our 
once happy and sunny South, misery and want staring 
us in the face, and the hand of death in our own house- 
hold. Oh, you cannot refuse his dying request. 

Mr. R. Would to heaven I had been spared this, it 
is too much. [Sinks on chair.] 

Harry R. Ned, Ned Arlington, let me take you by 
the hand. You did a noble act, will you forgive me ? 

Alice R. His imagination leads 'him back to the 
scene in the hospital. Oh, my poor brother. 

Harry R, Where am I ? Why I am at home with 
my friends. Where is my father? 

Mr. R. I am here, my son. 

Harry R. Father, promise what I asked, quick, ere 
it be too late. 

Mr. R. {Hesitating.] Your — request shall be granted, 
I — I— promise you. 

Harry R. Ble?s— bless you, now, I am happy. Ah, 
look there, see how they* fight. The boys are falling 
by scores. Listen to the groans of the wounded and 
dying. And now the Confederate forces are driven 
back. Their colors are down, hear their loud hurrahs. 
See, there goes the old flag, the old stars and stripes 
are floating again. See the old flag, theoldflag. [Dies.] 
Tableau. Curtain. 



50 THE BOYS OF '6 



ACT VI. 

Scene 1. — A wild and rocky pass. Blue ridge in the 
distance. Large boulders with fallen timber at buck-. Ax 
the curtain rises loud shouting is heard, with the <»-ca- 
sional discharge of firearms, and Rol. Roberts is seen 
com ing down the rocks, leaping from log to log and then 
disappears in the underbrush and appears again at l. u. 
E. Lively music at rise of Curtain. 

Roberts. Curse the luck, why did I not use better 
judgment in this expedition. Just when I thought I 
had everything my own way, 1 must stumble across 
this infernal picket guard, and that ton, under the com- 
mand of Ned Arlington. Curse them, but Til foil them 
yet. [Yell outside.] Ah, here conies my band. [JEn$er 
band hastily and excited, l.] 

LlEUT. Captain, I fear all is lost. The Yankee picket 
guard is aroused and in hot pursuit of us. What is your 
command \ 

Roberts. To the woods and rock, scatter in every 
direction, it is our only hope of escape. [Exit band. R.] 
Ah, they are close upon my heels. I'll conceal myself. 
[Hides.] 

[Enter picket guards l.] 

Sergt. See, they have taken to the woods and 
rocks. Now, men, follow, and if possible, capture that 
notorious outlaw and his band. [Exit guard R.] 

Roberts. [Advancing.'] Ha, ha, capture the no- 
torious outlaw and his band ; they may possibly 
capture his band, but I guess the outlaw has foiled 
them. Now, I 1 11 take the back track. [Moves off l., is 
met by Ned. A.] 

Ned. A. Hold, surrender, or you're a dead man. 

Roberts. Surrender to you, Ned Arlington, never; 
your Yankee body guard has left you in pursuit of my 
men ; we are alone. 

Ned. A. Rol. Roberts, I do not wish to stain my 
hands with your blood. If you surrender, I promise to 



THE BOYS OF '6l. J I 

n.and you over to the proper authorities, where you 
will receive a fair and impartial trial. 

Roberts. Ha, ha, I do not intend to run a risk of 
your fair and impartial trial. I am free now, and in- 
tend to remain so ; I defy you. 

Ned. A. I did not come here to bandy words with 
you; you are in my power, and I'm determined to bring 
to justice, and rid the country of a thief and assassin, 
whose terrible deeds have caused humanity to shudder. 

Roberts. I'm in your power, am I? Ha, ha! You 
were in my power once, and foiled me ; 1 intend doing 
the same. Stand aside and let me pass. 

Ned A. If you pass, you do so over my dead body ! 

Roberts. Then curse you, over your dead body it 
shall be. [Rushes toward Ned with knife. Ned snaps 
pistol, misses fire; shot heard in distance. Roberts' arm. 
drops, knife falls. ~\ Some sneaking cur has shot me in 
the arm. My only chance now is to follow my men to 
the Avoods. Ned Arlington, we shall meet again. 
[Rushes off, is met by Jack.] 

Jack A. So shall we. 

Roberts. [Aside.'] Baffled by that fool. Now then, 
for my last attempt. [Bushes to the opposite side, is 
met by Pete.] 

Pete. Hab yer got de pass ? 

Roberts. Completely entrapped. Ned Arlington, 
this is your work, and curse you, you shall die for it. 
[.Picks up knife with left //and, rushes towardlXm). Pete 
fires. Roberts staggers and falls.] You have finished 
your work, I am dying. May my eternal curses rest 
upon you. [Dies ] 

Pete. Great day in de morning, I guess I hab fin- 
ished him ; he cut de flesh ob dis ole body open many a 
time. I tole him I'd have my revenge, and I got it. 

Ned A. Surely, the way of the transgressor is hard ; 
he has lived a bad and fearless life, but he is now 
called upon to render his final account before the judg- 
ment bar. 

Jack A. I say, Pete, he has kicked the bucket. 

Pete. His bucket am kicked. [Scene closed in] 



Scene Second.— Landscape. 
[Enter DEACON, R.] 
Deacon. The people down in the village are in an 
awful state. Dame rumor says the war is about being 



52 . THE BOYS OF ? 6f. 

ended, and the people down there are awfully wild 
about it. They're running hither and thither, thither 
and hither ; one very wild individual ran against me, 
knocked ine down and almost smashed my umbrella. 
Let me see, I think I purchased a newspaper. I have it 
somewhere in my pocket. [Draws out paper*"] This 
paper is in an awful state. [Opens paper and reads.] So 
here it is : "Rumors of a Surrender. From our Wash- 
ington correspondent we lern that Gen. Lee cannot 
possibly hold his position two days longer before the 
overpowering forces of Gen. Grant. Sherman's con- 
templated arrival strikes terror into the Confederate 
army : we should not be surprised to chronicle in our 
to-morrow's issue that Gen. Lee has surrendered to the 
U. S. forces." If this be true, the country will not be in 
such an awful state ; verily, this is good news. I will 
now bend my steps toward the Arlington mansion and 
acquaint them of the rumors; I may possibly get a good 
meal, which I awfully stand in need of. [Exit l. Scene 
closed hi.'] 



Scene 3.— Same as Scene 1st, Act III. Mr. Arling- 
ton, Mrs. Arlington and Florence discovered seated 
at the breakfast table. As the scene opt <ms distant boom- 
ing of can/ion is heard. 

Florence. Father, I wonder what that firing means, 
I heard it several times already. It sounds as if it was 
in the village. 

Mr. A. Probably they have received news of another 
victory. Our brave boys have thrashed them pretty 
well lately, and good news has been coming thick and 
fast. 

Mrs. A. Heaven be praised. If my prayers had been 
granted, peace would have been declared long ere this. 

Mr. A. Yes, yes. mother, had all our petirions and 
desires been complied with, the war would have been 
ended long ago, but Providence, in his infinite wisdom, 
sees fit to defer it for his own good purpose. We must 
bide our time. 

Florence. How long is it since we received the last 
letter from Ned and Jack? 

Mrs. A. Just three weeks ago yesterday, that we had 
a letter from Ned. 

Mr. A. Yes, Ned wrote the last letter, and gave some 
glowing descriptions of the battles through which he 



THE BOYS OF '61. 53 

passed. He says Jack is as wild and eccentric as ever,. 
but he and Pete have been doing; Mm some good ser- 
vice, they having twice saved his life. 
[Enter Deacon, l ] 

Deacon. [Aside.'] I see I am just in time. Good 
morning, friends. 

Mr. A. Good morning, Deacon. [Shake hands.} 

Deacon. Good morning, Mrs. Arlington; good morn- 
ing Florence. [Shake //a/ids.] 

Mr. A. Sit down Deacon, and take some breakfast. 

Deacon. [Aside.] My walk from the village has given 
me an awful appetite. Yes, I believe I will take a mor- 
sel. [Sits at table.] 

Mrs. A. Deacon, you must make yourself at home 
and help yourself, Ave have just finished our meal. 

Mr. A. Deacon, can you tell us the meaning of this 
firing ? Have you been to the village lately ? 

DEACON. I just come from there. Hav'nt you heard 
the news ? 

All. News ! 

Florence. What news? Do tell us, Deacon. 

Deacon. Why, the people down in the village are 
running awfully wild about it. I purchased a morning's 
paper, which will give you all the desired information. 
[Searches pockets-jvr paper, finds if in hat, different ar- 
ticles fall out of hat; Mr, A. reads, jumps up excited, 
and treads em Deacon's toes.] Lord bless me, my nerves. 
I — I — mean my toes, they are in an awf nl state. 

Mr. A. I beg ten thousand pardons, Deacon. This 
is glorious news ; the prospects are that the war will 
terminate speedily. Sit down, Deacon, and help vour- 
self. 

Deacon. Yes, I believe I will finish my meal. [Sits 
doioe] 

Mrs. A. I can scarcely believe it, Deacon; what is 
the general opinion of the people in the village ? I fear 
it is nothing but a sensation story gotten up to create 
noise and excitement. 

Deacon. Yes, Mrs. Arlington, the noise and excite- 
ment in the village is awtul, and it is a general opinion 
that the serious contentions between the North and the 
South will soon cease to exist. 

Mr. A. No doubt of it, Deacon, no doubt of it. I 
never did think that this corrupt and contemptible Con- 
federacy could hold out long against our brave and 



54 THE BOYS OF Dl. 

noble boys of the North. O, the upstarts, the presump- 
tuous fools to attempt the overthrow of the noblest 
nation the suu ever shone upon; the idea is prepos- 
terous. 

Deacon. Those are my sentiments, and I don't care 
three or four straws who knows it. [Noise and cheer- 
ing outside, l.] 

Florence. what does that mean, something 
unusual has certainly happened. [Cheering again.] 

Ned A. [Outside."] Thank you my friends ; I'll see you 
again in a short time. 

Bd its. A. That's Ned's voice, T would know it among 
a thousand. [Enter Ned, l., greeting.] 

Mr. A. Ned, my boy, I'm glad to see you back again 
to your old home. 

DEACON. Ned, I'm extremely pleased to see you, it 
strikes me you've grown awfully brown. 

Ned A. Yes, deacon, long exposure to southern sun 
and winds has somewhat tanned me. 

DEACON. Yes, the sun and winds of the South have 
tanned you, and you, in conjunction with the rest of 
the boys, have tanned the rebels, ha, ha, ha. 

Mil. A. Ha, ha, ha, that's good. Deacon, very good, 
they have tanned them, and confound them, it served 
them right. 

Mrs. A. Well Ned, now tell us the news; did you 
come home to stay, or will you have to return again ? 

Ned A. Return again; no mother; the war is ended; 
ten days ago Gen. Lee surrendered to the U. S. forces, 
and the old stars and stripes now float again triumph- 
antly again over the whole country. 

Mrs. A. Heaven be praised, now are my prayers 
answered. 

Florence. Oh, I'm so glad, you will not have to go 
back again. But why did you not bring Jack with 
you? 

Ned A. He'll be along presently, I left him at the 
village with the boys of the Regiment; I expect them to 
pass here in a short time. 

Mr. A. Well Ned, are all the boys coming along 
back with the Regiment; are thev all" safe and sound ? 
And— 

Ned A. No father, the Regiment left here with one 
thousand men, and returns with a little over five hun- 
dred. The fierce and bloody struggles through which 



THE BOYS OF "6 1. 5.5 

we have passed, have thinned our ranks considerably. 
Many brave boys who left here full of hope and fond 
anticipation of returning to their homes, now lie sleep- 
ing in a soldier's grave. Poor »\ ill Stanton is one of the 
number. 

Mrs. A. Oh, what a fearful blow that must have 
been to his poor old mother. 

Mr. A. Sit down Ned, and tell us all about it. 
. Ned A. Well, it was at the battle of Gettysburg, on 
the third day of July; how well do I remember that 
fearful conflict. The two great armies resting side by 
side. The contest commenced about 4 o'clock in the 
morning, by Gren. Slocum opening a heavy fire upon 
Ewell's column. For six hours Jackson's old corps 
hurled their solid masses against our troops, who stood 
like a wall of fire, returning shot for shot and blow for 
blow. At eleven o'clock the enemy retired, and there 
was a perfect calm until two, when Longstreet ad- 
vanced in solid mass upon our centre ; it was the 
enemy's last effort, and it was sublime in its 
desperation. You should have seen the boys then : 
the orders were given for a charge, and with one loud, 
piercing yell away they went, sweeping everything be- 
fore them. It was here that Will Stanton showed his 
bravery. Our Colonel Avas killed, the colors were shot 
down, and the Regiment began to falter; when Will 
saw this, he rushed forward, seized the colors, and 
waving them high over his head shouted, now boys, at 
them again, when he was struck by a minnie ball, and 
fell mortally wounded. 

Mr. A. Ah, he was a brave boy, but our country 
will have to mourn the loss of many, many more as 
brave as he. 

Mrs. A. Well, the dreadful ordeal is past, now let us 
rejoice that it is so. 

Mr. A. Aye, rejoice that's it : by the way, mother, 
that reminds me of something, the wine we made for 
this occasion, when the boys come home you know. 
Let me see, what do you call it ? Isabella, that's the 
name ; run Florence and bring a bottle or two ! \_Exit 
Florence, l.J And we will drink to the health of the 
country. Deacon you are fond of wine, are you not \ 

De acox. I do occasionally indulge in it for stomach's 
sake. 

{Enter Florence l., serves wine.'] 



56 



THE HOYS OF '61 



Ned A. Now Deacon, suppose you give us a toast. 

Deacon. It is out of my line, Ned, but on this extra- 
ordinary occasion I will throw off all restraint and com- 
ply with your request. "Here's to Isabella, lovely Isa- 
bella, may all the Isabellas all over this wide domain 
prove as sweet and acceptable as this Isabella. v 

Mr. A. That's decidedly good, Deacon. It seems you 
are rather partial to Isabella, eh, not Isabella queen of 
Spain, but queen of your heart. [All laugh.] 

{Enter Mr. and Alice Raymond, l. All rise aston- 
ished. Mr. Raymond looks pale and hagard, and. 
speaks with difficulty.'] 

Mr. A. The Raymond's here. What does this mean ? 

Mr. R. You are no doubt surprised to see us here, 
but circumstances, cruel circumstances have driven me 
to it. This fearful war has reduced me to poverty and 
want, and as a last resort I came to seek shelter beneath 
your roof, thinking you would not drive me out in my 
weak and helpless condition, I'm weak and— faint — and 
— and — [Staggers, supported by Alice.] 

Mr. A. Quiok, Florence, a glass of wine, see he's in a 
fainting condition. [They assist him to a chair and 
give him trine.'] 

Alice. Thanks, my friends, this is very kind in you, 
my father has had so much trouble lately that it has 
completely prostrated him. [Aside.] Did I ever think 
it would come to this ? 

Mb. R. Oh, the misery that I have endured these 
last few years has entirely wrecked me. Like a ship at 
sea, bereft of sail and helm, I'm left to the mercies of a 
cold and heartless world. It Avas not so once ; but a 
few years apro I was wealthy and prosperous, and could 
laugh at poverty, but alas, what a change. A fearful 
war. with all its horrors and bloodshed, has swept the 
country like a hurricane, and I entering into the spirit 
of the wild and mad ambition of the South, risked my 
all, and have lost. May the instigators of this foul con- 
spiracy be plunged into everlasting misery and despair, 
and the memory of their terrible deeds haunt them to 
their graves. 

Mrs. A. Come, Alice, let me take off your bonnet 
and shawl ; don't look so downcast, we all have our 
troubles, but must endeavor to overcome them. 

Mr. A. Well, well, Mr. Raymond, I deeply sympa- 
thize with vou in vour misfortunes, but do not 



THE 'BOYS OF '6 1 57 

grieve, if it lies in my power you shall not suffer; you are 
welcome to remain here and make this house your home 
as long as you see proper, [to Ned] eh, Ned ? 

Ned A. Yes, father, they shall be welcome : but no 
reflections on the past, if you please. 

Mr. A. Why, what's the matter, Ned? 

Ned A. Simply this : henceforth I can treat Alice as 
a friend and sister, but nothing more. 

Mr. A. Only as a friend and sister \ Why my dear 
boy, you are certainly jesting. Remember the old ad- 
age, "forget and forgive." 

[Mrs. a. brings Alice down stage opposite Ned. Mr. 
A. takes the hand of Alice and puts it in Ned's.] 

Alice. [After a short struggle.] Oh, Ned, will you 
forgive me ? 

Ned A. Alice, four years ago, when men, possessed 
Avith the spirit of demons, eager for pow r er, and thirst- 
ing for blood, plunged our" country into war, I forgave 
them ; four years ago, when men, forgetting their al- 
legiance, tore down our country's flag and trampled it 
in the dust, I foregave them ; four years ago, when men, 
actuated by the spirit of fiends, rankling with ambition 
and hatred* engendered a war which has armed brother 
against brother and father against son: that has caused 
our valleys to flow with rivers of blood, and dotted our 
mountain tops and hill-sides with thousands of unknown 
and unmarked graves, I — 

Alice. Oh ! you forgave them. 

Ned. Aye, I forgave them as freely as I now forgive 
you. [Embraces Alice.] 

[During the scene with Alice and Ned, Mr. A. and 
Mr. R. come down r. Mrs. A. and Deacon, l. When 
Ned and Alice embrace, Mr. A. becomes excited and 
embraces Mr. R. Dkacon embraces Mrs. A.] 

Deacon. The country's in an awful state. 

Florence. Now, mother, everything is ready. 

Mr, A. That's right, come now, sit up, Ned, assist 
Mr. Raymond to the table. [Mr. Raymond and Alice 
sit at table.] 

[Jack outside,, singing.] 

Ned A. Hello, there's Jack, and I guess Pete is not 
far off. 

[Enter Jack through door, general greeting, except 
Deacon.] 

Deacon. Jack, you've forgotton me. 



58 



THE BOYS OF ' 6 1 . 



Jack. Grape and canister, so I have ; put it there. 

Deacon. Its been there quite long enough. 

Jack A. Father, come here, in the words of the 
poet, I'm home again from a foreign shore, and oh, it 
fills my stomach with joy, to eat from the old table 
once more. 

Ned A. Jack, where did you leave Pete ? [Shouting 
outside.'] 

Pete. [Outside.] Keep away from heah, boys, keep 
yer hands off a dis resposerbility. If yer don't, I squash 
yer on de snoot. 

Jack A. Hear the voice of my right bower, my 
bosom friend; behold, he cometn. 

[Enter Pete at door, with baby.] 

Pete. Yes, my chicky wicky, I'll be a modeler to 
yer, as long as yer little heart strikes in yer little 
boseum. 

Mil. A. Wonder upon wonders, if there isn't Pete 
with a colored baby. 

Deacon. A colored baby ; is Peter married ? 

Pete. Who said I was married? 1 deny the exer- 
tion, Pse a single man, an de lawful fadder and modder 
ob dis little innersence, which now declines upon its 
modder's boseum. 

Deacon. Not married ! the country is in an awful 
state. 

Mr. A. Pete, you imp of darkness, come here. 

Pete. [Sets baby <>" chair.] De apparition stands 
afore yer. 

Mr. A. Where in the name of common sense did you 
get that baby \ 

Pete. Dat ar little lamb I picked up down here in 
de army, I found it disposed to de clemency ob de con- 
gealed atmosphere in a state ob nudity. 

Mr. A. What are you talking about ? 

Pete. Great day in de morning, I was talking about 
de baby; yer see it were left fad erl^ss and moderlesss on 
de top of dis wide world without any natral— [Deacon 
sits on baby.] Git off o' dat ar lamb ! Do yer want to 
squash de breff out o' dat ar infant ? 

Deacon. I had no desire to hurt the feelings of the 
piccaninny. 

Pete. [Takes child and endeavors to pacify if. I] say 
Massa Jack, come heah and fotch de chile some pap. 

Jack. [Brings bowl with pap and tastes it.] It tastes 



THE BOYS OF "6l. 59 

like pap, [tastes again'] and then again it tastes like 
mam; nevertheless, methinks it is pap. Pete, shake it 
well and give it a quart every ten minutes. [Pete 
shakes baby.] What are you doing there? 

Pete. Didn't yer tole me to shook him ? 

Jack. Grape and canister, I didn't mean the baby, I 
meant the pap. That's the baby, and this is the pap. 

Pete. An dis is de modder. 

[Jack and Pete feed hah;/; drum heard.] 

Ned A. Hollo, there comes the Regiment. 

Mr. A. Yes, so it does, so it does. Now then pre- 
pare to give the noble fellows a warm reception as they 
pass by. 

Pete. I say, Massa Jack, hurry up dar, hurry up, 
and we will go down and fall in widde Boys, becas'e dey 
is going to have a big lunch down at de Bull's Head 
Tavern. 

Deacon. Lunch, lunch, did you say, Peter; where is 
my umbrella. [Searches for his umbrella, finds it and 
exits hastily r.] 

Pete. Don"t you hear me, Masea Jack; now dar goes 
de Deacon and if you don't hurry up, why de grub will 
be mighty scarce around dar, you bet. 

Jack. Away to the rescue, Pete, away, away. [Pete 
picks up the baby and him and Jack exit hastily, r.J 
[Scene closed in.] 



Scene 4. — .4 street in the village. Distant music is 
heard, which gradually grows louder and the Regiment 
appears at r. 1st e., marches across and disappears on 
the l. Farmer Jones, very much intoxicated, follows 
in the rear of the Regiment and stops on c, feels in his 
pocket, draws out a flask and takes a drink. 

Farmer Jones. That's ajDplejack. Old Mr. Arling- 
ton made me a present of that. That's rare stuff, that 
is, and on this most sublime and glorious occasion I feel 
most glorious and most sublime. Hurrah for the apple- 
jack! Hurrah for Mr. Arlington! Hurrah for the 
soldiers! Hurrah for the country! Hurrah for the 
lunch— hie— Hurrah for everybody. [Stagger* off It.] 
[Enter Deacon r. with umbrella hoisted. He seems to 
be excited.'] 

Deacon. The country's in a glorious state. [Exit l.] 
[Enter Pete r. with the baby in acoach.] 

Pete. Sho. sho, sho. Now, don't you dare to cry; 



60 THE BOYS OF '6l. 



dat's a sweet little lamb, becase if you do I will hab to 
take you right back home agin, and dat would spile de 
whole business, becase don't you know dat de Deacon's 
gwine ahead, and if he gets a shy at de table he will 
make it look as if it had been hit by a whole famine. 
Ya, ya, dat's a little lamb. Sho, sho; dat's it. [Exit l.] 

[Jack Arlington is heard shouting r., "Hold on, 
Pete, hold on; I'm a'coming!" He enters r.] 

Jack. [Stopping on c] I guess I am about the last 
of the funeral. [J5 lowing. ] When I'm out of breath. 
[Taking off his hat and fanning himself.'] Now I wonder 
where that nigger is. [Takes what lie supposes to be a 
handkerchief from his hat and is about to wipe his face, 
when he discovers it to t>< part of an infant's undergar- 
m< nt.'] Well, hang me for a Cherokee, if that ain't the 
first handerchief I ever saw with arm holes in it. Now 
may I choke down at the lunch table if 1 don't get even 
with that nigger for this trick. {Calling.'] Ho, Pete! 
ho, Pete! Just as I expected, whenever there is any- 
thing good to eat about, that African is deaf as a post. 

Pete. [Outside."] Come on, Massa Jack, Come on, 
de Deacon has got down to his work, and if you don't 
hurry up, he will be chewing up de tables and chairs 
next. 

Jack. Ah, ha ! I am coming to the rescue, Pete; to 
the rescue, to the rescue. [Exit hastily, l] 



Scene 5. — Allegorical figures on extremt back. Stack 
of guns surmounted with Union flag at l>a<-L- centre. 
Union forces drawn n[> in Union r. and l. (ten. Meade 
and staff on tin front and autre. Col. Williams on r. 
c. The flag unfurled at an elevation on extreme back 
and centre. Illumination. Union. Peace. Our Flag. 
Curtain.— Finale. 



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